Niger govt responds to rumour that 3 commissioners are COVID-19 positive

The Secretary to the Niger State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the state Task Force on COVID-19, Ahmed Matane, has denied report that three commissioners tested positive to Coronavirus in the state.

A statement issued by Tanko Lawal, the Information Officer in his office, on Wednesday said the report published by some national dailies and circulating in the social media was concocted and did not emanate from him.

NAN reports that Matane urged the public to disregard the false report and discourage the circulation of any unverified information that could cause harm and unnecessary panic among the citizens.

He assured that the state government remained committed to the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring that the people of the state strictly adhere to safety protocols in line with International Health Regulations.

The SSG enjoined the public to the use of face masks, application of hand sanitizer, regular handwashing with soap, physical and social distancing, so as to help curb the spread of the virus in the state.

He implored journalists in the state to always adhere to the ethics of their profession in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities through accurate reporting.