ADVERTISEMENT

5 almajiri children returned from Kano to Kaduna test positive for coronavirus

Many northern states have recently repatriated scores of almajiri students to their states of origin to combat the spread of coronavirus.

Northern governors recently banned the almajiri system (image used for illustration purpose) [Guardian]

Last week, governors in northern states agreed to ban the almajiri system as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The system is a form of education that requires young children to be sent far away from their homes to Islamic scholars.

The governors agreed to evacuate the children back to their parents or states of origin to minimise their exposure to the disease that has infected over 3 million people across the world.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health announced on Monday, April 27, 2020 that five of the almajiri children sent to the state from Kano were infected.

"The new cases are among almajirai 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," the state's Commissioner of Health, Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, said.

ADVERTISEMENT

The commissioner noted that the state's testing capacity has improved with two labs accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to conduct COVID-19 tests.

"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," the commissioner said.

Kaduna has now recorded 20 coronavirus cases, including state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who recently recovered.

Kano has recorded a total of 77 coronavirus cases, the third highest in Nigeria, behind Lagos (731) and the Federal Capital Territory (141).

Nigeria has recorded 1,273 coronavirus cases in 32 states and the FCT, as of April 26.

ADVERTISEMENT

239 people have recovered, but 40 people have died.

The outbreak has led to the crippling of social and economic activities across Nigeria with many states imposing a partial or complete lockdown in a desperate bid to contain the spread.

El-Rufai announced on Sunday, April 26 that the lockdown in Kaduna has been extended for another month till the end of May.

The wearing of face masks in public is also compulsory, according to the governor.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

Siamese twin gets married while still conjoined with her sister

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

LP BoT kicks out Abure despite convention victory, takes over party affairs

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

6 Labour Party lawmakers defect to PDP in Enugu State

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Tinubu's special assistant donates food items to 1,700 residents in FCT

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Anambra PASAN begins strike over Soludo's failure to grant financial autonomy

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Governor Sanwo-Olu pays ₦4.48 billion to 1,455 retirees in accrued pensions

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Court discharges ex-AGF Adoke, 6 others in Malabu oil scam case

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

Nigerians are expected to pay for TV licences — here’s what the law says

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

BEDC management denies rumours of dissolution, increases revenue

Pulse Sports

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

Nigeria vs Mali: Has Finidi George done enough to land Super Eagles job permanently?

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

I want to emulate Keshi and win the AFCON - Finidi George shares ambitious Super Eagles dream

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT