LAGOS, May 4 (Xinhua) -- A senior health official has said the COVID-19 pandemic is the cause of most unexplained deaths earlier reported in the northern state of Kano.
Nasiru Sani Gwarzo, leader of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 deployed to Kano, told reporters on Sunday night that the conclusion was made in a preliminary report of a panel working to unravel the cause of the deaths.
"With the preliminary report, most of the deaths recorded of recent and tests carried out indicated that coronavirus is the cause. Hence, before the final reports, which would be ready in the next one week or few days, it is necessary for people of the state to wake up from their slumber that this is a serious issue at hand," he said.
According to recent media reports, scores of unexplained deaths have been recorded in Kano since mid-April, driving local residents into fears, with many attributing the surge in deaths to COVID-19, which had been repeatedly rejected by the state government.
Senior officials of Kano said last week investigations were ongoing on the alleged "mysterious deaths" with the assistance of a team from the PTF.
Gwarzo urged Kano residents to be vigilant and adhere to rules in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Enditem
