Yesterday, @KNSMOH announced 12 new cases & first Covid-19 death in Kano. This rises total cases to 21 and makes Kano the 3rd state in Nigeria. This for a state that had zero cases just five days ago is worrying. It suggests that the virus might have spread beneath the surface...

... and community infection might have occurred already. It's hard to say this, but Kano may in the next few days witness an exponential increase in cases. Govts need to move fast to prevent the state from becoming an epicenter. So imposing a lockdown from today is right.

But lockdown isn't enough. Authorities must move rapidly to thoroughly track & trace every single contact, however remote. Contacts must be properly isolated & tested. This must be done quickly. No time to be lost. Luckily Kano has a testing lab now. It should put it to good use.

Kano residents have a BIG role to play in containing this. They must listen to and obey instructions from authorities and experts. Social isolation and personal hygiene must be taken seriously. People who live in close quarters especially slums must be extra careful as...

... patients without symptoms can spread this virus. Imams and traditional rulers have a big role; they must not shy away. Conventional and social media influencers must also do their part in encouraging people to obey health instructions. In short, all hands must be on deck.