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Eleven Almajiri kids who were repatriated from Kaduna State have tested positive for the deadly coronavirus disease in Sokoto State.
This was confirmed in a press statement released by the state Ministry of Health on Saturday via its official Twitter handle.
According to the statement, the state Taskforce on COVID-19, on Thursday June 4, received 33 of the Almajiris sent back to the state from Kaduna and were immediately isolated at the state NYSC orientation camp, Wamakko.
On arrival, all their samples were collected for testing. “Unfortunately, 11 out of 33 samples collected tested POSITIVE for COVID-19”.
The statement read: “Sokoto State Taskforce on COVID-19 received 33 repatriated Almajiris on 4th June, 2020 from Zaria, Kaduna State. All the 33 almajiris are currently quarantined at State NYSC orientation camp, Wamakko. On their date of arrival all their samples were collected.
“Unfortunately, 11 out of 33 samples collected tested POSITIVE for COVID-19. The Public particularly Sokoto State people should note that these almajiris had no known contact with their families.
“The state government will collaborate with Kaduna state government to ensure effective contact tracing at the almajiris School in Zaria where these almajiris come from.”
Hours later the state health ministry tweeted: “#COVID19Sokoto: Update! As at Saturday 06/06/20 Sokoto recorded 11 New cases 0 Discharge 0 death Total Tests Done=735 Total Confirmed=126 Pending Tests=1 Total Negatives = 609 Active Cases=11 Discharged=101 Deaths=14 #StaySafe#StayAtHome.”
It is however unclear if the 11 Almajiris who tested positive for the virus were among the 12 new cases confirmed in the state by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Saturday night.