Nigeria's Bauchi state deputy governor tests positive

The deputy governor of Nigeria's north-western state of Bauchi has tested positive for coronavirus.

The state's media official said Baba Tela was in self-isolation and samples from all his contacts were taken for testing.

The deputy governor is thought to have contracted the virus while working as the chairman of the task force in charge of coronavirus response, according to a statement by the state government.

He had shown symptoms of the virus before his samples were taken and tested.

Bauchi Governor Bala Mohammed has wished his deputy quick a recovery and urged residents to keep following regulations to stop the spread of the virus.

The state has confirmed 241 coronavirus cases out of approximately 10,000 cases in the country.

Nigeria's Guardian newspaper tweeted a photo of the deputy governor:

“Sen. Baba Tela, Deputy Governor of Bauchi State who is also the Chairman State Task Force on COVID-19, was confirmed positive for Coronavirus.” https://t.co/0Wa7T5KvwK #Covid19 #Coronavirus #Bauchi #Nigeria #BabaTela

— The Guardian Nigeria (@GuardianNigeria) June 3, 2020