North gets isolation centre in Yola for COVID-19 cases

Expert tasks FG on research, diagnostic centres
Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has established a Coronavirus (COVID-19) isolation centre in Yola, the state capital, the first dedicated for the pandemic in Northern region since it broke out.

He said in a state broadcast yesterday: “As part of efforts to control, prevent and contain the spread (of COVID-19), an isolation ward equipped with monitors has already been prepared at the Yola Specialist Hospital, pursuant to my directive. I am delighted to note that this is the first of its kind in the entire northern region since the pandemic broke out.”

Fintiri stated that official trips outside the state had been suspended for three months, subject to review, adding that seminars, workshops and any gathering that would attract more than 50 people had also been banned in the state.

The governor declared a month-long compulsory holiday for all categories of workers, except those on essential services.

Secretary to the State Government, Mallam Bashiru Ahmad, chairs the COVID-19 committee set up by the governor.

To cushion the economic challenges of COVID-19, the governor cut down rent for residential and commercial buildings as well as taxes affecting informal businesses by half.

Meanwhile, the Director, Centre for Infectious Diseases, Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Prof. Isa Abubakar, has suggested more pragmatic approach in the management of the pandemic, especially in the areas of research and treatment.

The consultant of public health medicine opined the global health burden offered Nigeria another opportunity to empower research institutes in the country to efficiently respond to diagnosis and prevent viral diseases.