El-rufai recovers, narrates Coronavirus experience

Nasir El-rufai, the governor of Kaduna State, has recovered from Coronavirus disease.

Mr El-rufai announced this in a statement by Samuel Aruwan, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday.

The Kaduna helmsman had last month tested positive to the pandemic disease and embarked on self-isolation.

But in a statement reproduced below, he narrated his experience while battling the deadly virus.

In the evening of 28 March 2020, I was notified that I had tested positive for Covid-19.I immediately made a public disclosure of this sad news-proceeded into isolation under the strict supervision of our healthcare professionals.

I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.

My family not only went through the trauma of potentially losing a member,but also the risk of being infected as well. The entire family has been supportive as usual, while my many friends and colleagues from all over the world have sent their prayers and best wishes.

I wish to thank the diligent medical personnel of our Ministry of Health and the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital who managed my case for their dedicated and professional care.

I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Governor, for her reassuring leadership of our team in my absence in this trying period,our senior officials have demonstrated admirable commitment&the flexibility to provide governance in circumstances that are so different from the old norm. The commitment, competence and capabilities displayed by the Kaduna State Government in my four-week absence is clear evidence that we have a public service we can all be proud of.

I am delighted by the recovery of four other Covid-19 cases who were discharged last week which was followed yesterday with the discharge of a fifth patient. On Monday, we received the sad news of three more positive cases in Kaduna State.

That is why mixing with many people is not a good idea. While four of every five infected persons show mild symptoms like headache, fever and cough and recover fully, there is evidence worldwide that older people and those with pre-existing health challenges like hypertension can receive adequate and timely care and treatment. Our emphasis is rightly on prevention because it is the prudent thing to do to save lives, given the limited capacity of our health system.

But we cannot let our guards down. We are in dangerous times. This disease is a threat to our humanity, our lives and livelihoods. As someone that has experienced it, I will not wish it on my worst enemy.

We must reiterate that an infected person can show no symptoms as I did, for up to two weeks, while unknowingly infecting others close to him or even through casual contact.

We must reiterate that an infected person can show no symptoms as I did, for up to two weeks, while unknowingly infecting others close to him or even through casual contact diabetes are particularly at greater risk of dying if they get the Covid-19 infection. We must therefore do everything to avoid exposure and prevent the spread of this disease in our towns and villages.

We must now make the sacrifices of enhanced domestic hygiene, regular hand-washing with soap, staying at home and avoiding crowds to defeat this disease.

Let me conclude by informing the citizens of Kaduna State that I have issued another amendment to the Quarantine Regulations requiring everyone in the State to wear a face mask when going out of the home or workplace for any reason.

The State Government is going to make these masks available free to the poor and vulnerable groups, and encourage everyone that can afford it to get their neighborhood tailor to sew cloth masks for their use.

This will help protect them, their loved ones and everyone else from the spread of this disease.

Once again, we appeal to everyone to stay at home, observe social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and wash our hands with soap and water regularly.

Stay home, stay safe, save lives!
God Bless and Protect Kaduna State.
God Bless and Protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, OFR
Wednesday,22nd April 2020