Panic as Taraba records seven new COVID-19 cases

There is a growing panic in Taraba State as seven more persons tested positive on Wednesday.

The total cases have risen to 15.

The seven new cases are among the 124 discharged from the quarantine centre by the State Task Force on Covid-19 on Sunday.

The discharged were among the 130 travelers intercepted by security personnel at the State’s borders and quarantined at the NYSC Orientation Camp.

The report of the new cases by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Wednesday made residents to fear that the discharged 124 persons, upon their release, might have had contacts with multiple people.

Chairman of the Taraba State Task Force on COVID-19, Innocent Vakkai, Commissioner of Information Danjuma Adamu and State officials of the NCDC briefed reporters on the situation, advising Tarabans not to panic.

The Commissioner of Health said those who have had contact with the seven positive persons would be traced and quarantined.

He said the 124 persons were released because they were not coming from areas of high risk after testing negative.

“They were also quarantined for the mandatory 14 days before they were discharged.

“It is unfortunate that the result of their second test, days after their release, has tested positive.

“However, while discharging them, we advised that they should not mix up with members of their communities for some time.

“The council chairmen of their various local government areas were here to accompany them home.

“And before their release, their home addresses and telephone numbers were documented before handing them over to the chairmen of their respective local government areas.

“So, no one should panic. Through their chairmen, we shall get them and all those who might have had contact with them for treatment. We will quickly get them for isolation and treatment,” Vakkai said.