• Says state has no intention to under-declare, overstate
The Kwara State government has explained that the discrepancies in COVID-19 statistics of the state could be linked to late or delayed declaration on the part of the NCDC.
This is coming after a rash of concerns that trailed the inconsistency in the statistics released by the NCDC and the state government.
In a statement, Rafiu Ajakaye, Spokesman, Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19 said that the government has no intention to under-declare or overstate anything.
Hear him: “The government also wishes to say that disparity in the figure of positive cases often arises because of late or delayed declaration on the part of the NCDC which understandably deals with results from several states. Each state has direct access to test result from the laboratory.
“So Kwara religiously reflects test results from samples it forwarded to the test centres outside of the state. It is also pertinent to state that disparity in figures occurs in cases of ‘repeat tests’. What is constant however is that neither the NCDC nor the state has any reason to under-declare or overstate anything.
Ajakaye also explained the sudden leap in casualties, noting that death toll from COVID-19 has hit 12 in the state.
“Citizens would notice a sudden leap in the figure of casualties attributed to COVID-19 pandemic in Kwara State. Until yesterday, Tuesday July 7th, casualties as reflected in our infographics were five.
“The unfortunate death of the Chief of Staff Aminu Adisa Logun ought to bring the tally to six. However, the state has just been notified of six deaths from the UITH whose post-mortem test confirmed them to be COVID patients. It is therefore imperative to reflect such for proper record keeping and public information. Steps have been taken to avoid such gaps in the future.
“Finally, the government restates the need for everyone to take personal responsibility in our efforts to contain this virus. COVID-19 is a present and clear danger.”