4th June, 2020

COVID-19: Gombe SSG leads way as Government officials, staff are tested

Gombe state Government House has been closed while public officials, including cabinet members and staff are being tested for coronavirus following confirmation that the test result of staff who died recently returned positive.

Already Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has directed that high risk areas such as the offices of the deceased and that of the SSG as well as the Government House Clinic where the deceased was admitted be disinfected and closed from any Physical interactions until Monday 8th June, 2020.

Those tested were also strongly advised go into self isolation pending the outcome of the results.

In a statement, the Governor also urged members of the general public to take the NCDC protocols and medical experts' advice seriously and strictly observe all precautionary measures of hand-washing, use of sanitisers and face masks as well as maintain social distancing.

He said such measures are important in order to prevent the spread of the disease, especially because the nation has entered into another phase of the COVID-19 spread called community transmission.

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi who was the first to present himself for test, commended the effort of the Gombe State Task force on COVID-19 for its decisive approach and response after it was confirmed that the staff in the SSG's office died of covid-19 complications.

He noted that, "The Task force took the right and by all means, the correct decision to forestall the spread of the VIRUS among the good people of Gombe State by immediately conducting the much needed contact tracing and advising every member of staff, including family members, friends and well wishers to be tested and if found positive, proceed on self isolation".

Already, samples from Commissioners, Special Advisers, members of the Task force on covid-19 where the deceased served as assistant secretary, Directors, Executive Secretaries, Chairmen of Boards and Commissions, Security Personnel attached to the Government House as well as those of other staff and aides are being taken for covid-19 test while the Rapid Response Team has also commenced contact tracing.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Senior Special Assistant
( Media and Publicity)