The Kaduna State government has enjoined all citizens, businesses and organizations to work together with the government to avoid the danger posed by the COVID-19 pandemic following its rising rate in the state.
Briefing newsmen in Kaduna State on Saturday, the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed Baloni lamented that the state is now recording high infection figures reminiscent of the first wave of COVID-19 spread in April, May and June 2020.
She stressed that the reduction of the infection rate following the first wave encouraged the government to approve the recommendation of the State COVID-19 Task Force for a significant reopening of the state.
She further explained that the Ministry of Health expected some increase in infections after the reopening of schools, markets, places of worship and recreational centres, saying that the figures easily outstrips their estimates, while infections cut across age groups, this new wave especially affects those aged between 10 and 35. (55%).
She assured that the state cannot allow this to happen, while assuring that the state contained the first wave because, among other measures, most citizens observed and practised the COVID-19 prevention protocols.
The Ministry of Health, therefore appealed to the people to recommit to behaviour that protects them and their families from infection, saying that voluntary compliance with the protocols can help prevent and limit the spread of the disease.
She said the state had previously observed the wholesale abandonment of any compliance with protective measures, adding that it has cautioned against this and reminded citizens that the relaxation of lockdown measures did not mean that COVID-19 had been defeated or disappeared.
She said the rising infections is a reminder that COVID-19 remains a potent danger to lives and livelihoods, pointing out that anyone who remembers the pains and sacrifices of the lockdown period will not want that to be repeated.
The Commissioner urged all citizens to adopt the spirit of the forward campaign that encourages everyone to follow the stipulated guidelines by authorities in the healthcare sector.
As part of the consultations that preceded the easing of the Quarantine Order, she enjoined religious groups, professional and business associations, transporters, traders and other stakeholders to comply with COVID-19 protocols.