Segun Akanni, Toronto, Canada 
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Amina Baloni, has said Almajiri kids deported from Kano State were among the five new COVID-19 cases in the state.
The Kano State Government had sent many Almajiris back to their home states including Kaduna as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Baloni, who did not state the number of Almajiris who tested positive, said the five patients had been taken to an isolation centre for treatment.
The commissioner, in a statement on Monday, said health officials had started tracing the contacts of the five new cases.
She said, “The new cases are among Almajiri who were recently repatriated from Kano. The contacts of the new cases are being traced so that they can be monitored and tested if they meet the case definition.
“The new patients have been moved to the Infectious Diseases Control Centre, the state’s premier isolation centre. Our medical professionals are treating them with high standards and we wish all our nine active cases speedy recovery.”
Baloni further stated that Kaduna had two new laboratories in Zaria, adding that the facilities would enhance testing and help the state in its fight against the COVID-19.
“The ministry of health wishes to remind the general public of the importance of hand-washing, personal hygiene, social distancing and the avoidance of large gatherings in helping protect us all from COVID-19. It is important to stay home, stay safe, and save lives,” she added.
