The Kano State Government has dismissed as untrue the report by the Federal Government that over 50 per cent of the about 1,000 deaths recorded in the state in April were associated with COVID-19.
The Case of Mortality Committee set up by the state government said only 15.9 per cent of the recently recorded mysterious deaths in the state were COVID-19-related.
In a statement issued by Abba Anwar, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ganduje, the report said:
“A retrospective study of mortalities was conducted over approximately 2-weeks (27th April – 15th May 2020); across 8 metropolitan LGAs (Gwale, Fagge, Tarauni, Kumbotso, Ungogo, Nassarawa, Kano Municipal and Dala).
“COVID-19 might have contributed in 15.9 % of the cases of mortality but within the limitations of the verbal autopsy method that cannot provide confirmation.
“Some deaths may be related to disruption of medical care and socio-economic activities due to fear of contracting COVID-19, which usually happen during epidemics.
“If the mysterious deaths were COVID-19 related, the deaths could have come more from local governments that have more COVID-19 cases.”
The governor noted that the report would be communicated to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.); the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha; and the Health Minister.