COVID-19: For a second time, El-Rufai goes into self-isolation

After recovering from a COVID-19 affliction, the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, has gone into self-isolation for the second time this year as family members and senior government officials around him have tested positive for COVID-19.

In a broadcast on Saturday, el-Rufai said he went into self-isolation pending when a COVID-19 test would be conducted on him Sunday.

“I have been notified of more positive COVID-19 test results of persons close to me, including an immediate family member and senior officials of the Kaduna State Government,” he said.

 “I am therefore in self-isolation and hope to be tested by Sunday. This is purely a precautionary move that complies with the standard Covid-19 protocols. There will be another update when the test results are ready.

“I appeal to every resident of Kaduna State to observe and abide by the preventive protocols against Covid-19, especially wearing facemasks, avoiding large gatherings, practising physical distancing and washing their hands regularly.”

The governor had tested positive for the virus in March but recovered after less than a month in isolation.

There has been a surge in COVID-19 cases, with the country breaking a new record on its daily count, on Friday, when 796 new cases were recorded in 15 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

Health authorities have issued warnings about the possibility of a second wave of the pandemic.

The Federal Government on Thursday directed COVID-19 treatment centres shut after the country recorded a decline in cases to prepare for reopening.