Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, has said all deaths in the state should be reported and recorded henceforth at the closest health facility for possible COVID-19 burial protocols by the Ministry of health.
The Governor stated this in a state-wide broadcast at the Government House, Minna.
The Governor said despite the State Government’s efforts at improving on the management of COVID-19 pandemic which has equally gulped huge resources, loss of lives to the Pandemic are on the increase is on the increase, Mary Noel-Berje, Chief Press Secretary to the governor said in a statement.
“A Pandemic that started as a joke is really killing so many and there is the need to join hands to ensure we stem the tide.”
Giving detailed breakdown of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state, Governor Sani Bello noted that though the state has recorded 166 confirmed cases, they are limited to 11 Local Government Areas which include Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchaga, Kontagora, Mariga, Mokwa, Paikoro, Rafi, Shiroro and Suleja.
He acknowledged that the State has however recorded 9 COVID-19 related deaths so far.
Governor Sani Bello who expressed dismay over the disregard to the established safety protocols of COVID-19 says it is unacceptable.
He reiterated the guidelines to include reinvigorating curfew from 10 pm-4am, reinforcement of strict adherence to the wearing of face-mask, hand washing, use of sanitizers and maintenance of physical distancing.
He also directed that relevant MDAs should embark on massive sensitization of the public to the need to curtail the spread of the virus especially in markets, motor parks, and places of worship among others.
He enjoined security agencies to ensure strict compliance as violators will be prosecuted by mobile courts.
The governor acknowledged the cash and kind donations made by individuals and corporate entities.
It would be recalled that Niger State Government has in the last four months continued to adopt measures geared towards wining the war against the spread of COVID-19 in the State.