The Kaduna State Ministry of Health has said a four-month-old girl is among the 20 new coronavirus cases recorded in the state on Friday.

The State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni, in a statement on Saturday, also said 15 of the 20 new cases are family members.

She explained that the new COVID-19 patients are close contacts of previously confirmed cases, The PUNCH reports.

The statement said, “A four-month-old girl is regrettably one of the new patients, and investigations indicate that her father has travel history to Kano.

“The infant, who had been brought to the hospital for respiratory issues, was tested in accordance with the updated guidelines which advise that persons with such symptoms be tested. Her parents have also been tested and their results are being awaited.

“The 20 new cases are spread across seven local government areas. Chikun has seven (including five members of the same family), Giwa recorded four from the Shika community while three cases are in Kaduna North. Sabon-Gari and Kaduna South have two cases each, while Igabi and Zaria have one each. Six health workers are among the new cases, underlining the risks associated with containing and managing Covid-19.

“The latest cases show that Covid-19 has spread into nine LGAs: Chikun, Igabi, Giwa, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Makarfi, Sabon-Gari, Soba and Zaria. This widening spread of COVID-19 means that the risk of infection has increased for persons who do not stay at home or who fail to observe necessary precautions when they go out.”

The commissioner urged Kaduna residents to observe physical distancing and avoid large gatherings.

She added, “Parents are advised to shun non-essential travel or interactions to avoid taking the virus home and infecting their children and loved ones.

“They must also exercise personal responsibility regarding not allowing visitors into their homes. One of the COVID-19 fatalities in the state got infected when he received visitors at home.”