Jigawa State Governor Muhammad Badaru has warned that the state could record up to 20,000 COVID-19 cases.
The Governor raised the alarm that the virus is spreading so fast in the state and 8 of the 27 local governments have recorded cases.
“In the meantime, you will agree with me that COVID-19 infection is now with us in Jigawa as the disease has spread to eight out of 27 Local Government Areas of the state,” he said.
The Governor stated that that modelling experts have projected that in a worst-case scenario, Jigawa may have up to 20,000 COVID-19 cases during the pandemic.
However, “in the best-case scenario, which the state is now experiencing, (under 14 per cent), could lead to 8,000 infections across the state”, he added.
He, however, said with efforts the state is putting in and prayer to Almighty Allah, “we should be below the best-case scenario projection, the state is currently at 14 per cent best case scenario and 0.6 per cent of the worst-case scenario.”
Mr Badaru also announced a new package on a daily basis for the state’s front-line health care personnel working to prevent the spread of the disease.
“In order to motivate front line health workers working on COVID-19, we have approved upward review of daily stipend of doctors and other categories of health workers up to N10,000 depending on category.
“We have also opened discussions with insurance companies on health and life insurance for those health workers at the front line of the fight against COVID-19 pandemic,” the governor said.
Jigawa currently has 141 confirmed cases after the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced fresh 23 cases in the state on Wednesday.
