Eight health workers are among 54 coronavirus cases recorded on Tuesday in Bayelsa and announced by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Bayelsa COVID-19 Task Force has said.
Deputy Chairman of COVID-19 Task Force, Dr Inodu Apoku, said during a press briefing on Wednesday in Yucaipa that the 54 cases were from its over 300 pending samples of COVID-19 suspected cases in various COVID-19 laboratories across the South-South zone.
Apoku, also Permanent Secretary, Bayelsa Ministry of Health, said: “In the past two weeks, we have had over 300 pending samples of COVID -19 suspected cases in various COVID -19 laboratories across the South-South.
“The laboratories were having issues with reagents and supplies and as such the delays in returning results.
“Yesterday, being Tuesday, we received results of 76 samples and 54 of these returned positive for COVID -19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 86 in the State.
“We are expecting more test results from today as well. Eleven of these positive cases are contacts of previously confirmed cases, eight are health care professionals.
“All the positive cases are being reached and counsel for evacuation to our Isolation Facilities. All their contacts are being line listed and adequately followed up including necessary environmental decontamination.
“Samples have and are still being collected from their high-risk contacts while they have all been counselled on self-quarantine. Risk communication and community engagement are ongoing.”
Apoku urged the general public to imbibe the regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
