The Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has now tested negative to COVID-19.
He had announced earlier that he was on self-isolation as required by the case management guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC for someone not showing symptoms after testing positive to Coronavirus disease.
According to a video on Facebook posted on Wednesday, Mallam El-Rufai said he is now delighted to report that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, he has recovered from COVID-19.
“I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results. My family not only went through the trauma of potentially losing a member, but also the risk of being infected as well. The entire family has been supportive as usual, while my many friends and colleagues from all over the world have sent their prayers and best wishes.
“I wish to thank the diligent medical personnel of our Ministry of Health and the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital who managed my case for their dedicated and professional care.
“It was cheering to see the determined efforts of our Covid-19 Task Force chaired by the Deputy Governor, the officials of our Ministry of Health ably led by the Commissioner and our security/enforcement agencies, to manage and contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
“I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Governor, for her reassuring leadership of our team in my absence this trying period, our senior officials have demonstrated admirable commitment and the flexibility to provide governance in circumstances that are so different from the old norm.
“The commitment, competence and capabilities displayed by the Kaduna State Government in my four-week absence is clear evidence that we have a public service we can all be proud of. …can receive adequate and timely care and treatment. Our emphasis is rightly on prevention because it is the prudent thing to do to save lives, given the limited capacity of our health system.
“I am delighted by the recovery of four other Covid-19 cases who were discharged last week which was followed yesterday with the discharge of a fifth patient. On Monday, we received the sad news of three more positive cases in Kaduna State.
“We must reiterate that an infected person can show no symptoms as I did, for up to two weeks, while unknowingly infecting others close to him or even through casual contact.
“…diabetes are particularly at greater risk of dying if they get the Covid-19 infection. We must therefore do everything to avoid exposure and prevent the spread of this disease in our towns and villages.
“We must now make the sacrifices of enhanced domestic hygiene, regular hand-washing with soap, staying at home and avoiding crowds to defeat this disease.
“Let me conclude by informing the citizens of Kaduna State that I have issued another amendment to the Quarantine Regulations requiring everyone in the State to wear a face mask when going out of the home or workplace for any reason.
“The State Government is going to make these masks available free to the poor and vulnerable groups, and encourage everyone that can afford it to get their neighborhood tailor to sew cloth masks for their use. This will help protect them, their loved ones and everyone else from the spread of this disease. Once again, we appeal to everyone to stay at home, observe social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and wash our hands with soap and water regularly, he said.
