TheCable

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) says three doctors have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nasarawa state.

Bulus Umaru, Nasarawa NMA chairman, said two auxiliary staff also contracted the disease in the course of carrying out their duties.

“Three gynaecologists and two auxiliary staff have contracted the coronavirus in the course of their work of dealing with patients,” Umaru said.

“The doctors are now on admission at an isolation centre at the Federal Medical Centre and are responding to treatment.”

He urged the NMA members and other health workers to observe personal and environmental hygiene and guard against contracting the disease.

Umaru also advised health workers in the state to be properly kitted with personal protective equipment (PPE) while attending to patients.

“You may not know which patients have the virus, hence the need for proper protection to avoid being infected,” he said.

He also appealed to the state government to pay hazard allowances to health workers battling the coronavirus pandemic to ensure industrial harmony.

Umaru urged the state government to also introduce insurance schemes for health workers.

Earlier, Abdullahi Sule, governor of the state, assured the people of the state that his administration would always prioritise their welfare, health and security in line with the oath of office.

He also expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, security operatives, health personnel, journalists and other stakeholders for their efforts toward containing the virus.

The state has confirmed 90 COVID-19 cases, out of which 35 patients have been discharged and five deaths recorded.