COVID19 is another Boko Haram, it is real- Borno deputy governor warns state residents as 16 health workers test positive for the virus

Borno Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur, has said some residents of the state doubt the existence of Coronavirus just as they dismissed Boko Haram activities when it initially started some years ago.

Kadafur who is the chairman of the state’s response team for the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic, stated this while responding to newsmen at a daily Media update on the pandamic held at the goverment house, Maiduguri.

He said despite the increasing rate of spread of the pandemic, a large number of people in the state do not believe the existence of the virus, adding that it is rather unfortunate that lots of people participated in burial ceremonies and observed congregational prayers against the rules of social distancing.

“When Boko Haram started, a lot people felt it was something not to be taken seriously, until when it consumed everybody. This covid-19 is another Boko Haram coming, and yet people don’t believe it’s real. I keep saying it’s real. As a response team we’ll continue telling the general public and reaching out with advocacy” Kadafur said

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of health, Dr. Salisu Kwayabura, revealed that in the last 48 hours, 16 Medical health workers have been affected by the covid-19 pandamic.

He also advised residents to maintain the NCDC guidelines of hand washing, personal hygiene, social distancing, and avoid large gatherings to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. Dr. Kwayabura further urged the residents to wear face masks when leaving their homes, and wash their hands when they return.

Borno state currently has 75 confirmed cases of COVID19.