The kaduna state government has raised alarm over the incommunicado of two postive Covid19 patients in the state, this was made public today by the state commissioner for health in a statement she signed.

The statement reads in part:

KDSG tells persons who are Covid-19 positive to submit

themselves for treatment in isolation centres

The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has reiterated that anybody who tests positive

for Covid-19 must submit themselves for treatment at the isolation centre. The

Ministry warned that it is illegal and dangerous for Covid-19 positive to switch off

their phones and make themselves inaccessible to health authorities after being

notified of their test results.

Commissioner of Health Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni issued this warning today. She

disclosed that two persons who were on isolation pending receipts of their test

results were duly informed on Friday that they had tested positive. Health officials

subsequently notified them that a team will be coming to convey them to the

isolation centre for treatment. These persons subsequently switched off their phones

and have remained incommunicado.

These reckless action of theirs is endangering themselves, their families and the

larger community. Similar irresponsible conduct by some Covid-19 positive cases has

been reported in another state. It isa pattern of behaviour that must be stopped

because it is patently dangerous to public safety.

Details of the two persons involved have been communicated to the security

agencies for tracking and surveillance. Members of the public who may have relevant

information on the whereabouts of these persons are urged to promptly contact the

authorities.

Covid-19 is not a death sentence. Persons who receive treatment promptly have a

higher chance of defeating the disease. Twelve persons have so far been discharged

in Kaduna State after receiving treatment and our health professionals are working

hard for the recovery of other patients. However, positive but asymptomatic persons

and untreated Covid-19 cases have a high chance of infecting others and

endangering their well-being. Knowingly infecting others and displaying an absence

of consideration for the welfare of others is not a responsible response to this highly

infectious disease.

Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni

Commissioner of Health

10th May 2020