The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ali Inname, says 14 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state have tested positive for COVID-19.
He told newsmen that the infected members were detected in the ongoing orientation exercise and had already been moved to an isolation centre for prompt treatment.
According to him, a total of 787 COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in the state, with 28 deaths recorded.
He added that so far, 19,557 people had been tested, and urged residents to go for the test and to go to the different centres to receive the vaccine.
Inname who is also the state’s Chairman of the COVID-19 Taskforce, commended the commitment of the state government and other supporting agencies toward containing the spread of the virus.
Meanwhile,the Director-General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim,has implored corps members in the country to adhere strictly to all safety protocols of COVID-19 and also maintain good personal hygiene.
He gave the advice on Tuesday while addressing corps members deployed to Nasarawa State, currently undergoing Orientation Course at NYSC Orientation Camp Magaji Dan Yamusa Keffi.
He said the prevalence of new variants of the deadly pandemic has necessitated the need for more vigilance and continuous usage of nose masks, washing of hands, social distancing and application of sanitizer.
COVID-19 vaccines,he said,would soon be made available to corps members in orientation camps.
This is as he urged them to present themselves for vaccination.
Urging corps members to present themselves for vaccination, Ibrahim further advised:”Don’t endanger yourselves, take advantage of the vaccine and you must take responsibility. Get yourself vaccinated to protect yourself and others.Obey the pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical safety protocols of COVID-19″
He admonished them to avoid misconduct during the service year and abide by NYSC Bye-Laws, adding that every infraction would attract disciplinary action.
He warned that no corps employer has the right to grant them permission to travel, but when it becomes necessary to travel, they must obtain approval from the NYSC.
He cautioned corps Members against embarking on night journeys which can expose them to dangers on the highways.
