The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has deployed
its rapid response teams in Lagos state as Nigeria records its first case of
coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of NCDC, made this known
in Abuja.
On Friday, Lagos confirmed the first case of coronavirus in
the country. Nigeria becomes the second country to confirm the disease in
Africa and the 52nd in the world.
The patient, an Italian citizen, was said to have entered
Nigeria on February 25 from Milan, Italy on a business visit.
Over 80,000 cases of coronavirus have been recorded
globally, out of which more than 33,000 people have recovered.
Ihekweazu said health facilities must remain on high alert
and he assured Nigerians of their safety against COVID-19.
“The NDCD has escalated the multi-sectoral coronavirus
preparedness group to an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), at level II to lead
response activities,” he said.
“The NCDC will continue to keep Nigerians informed. It is
important for them to be focused on facts and not fear.
“Nigerians should protect themselves by staying calm, drink
lots of water.”
He also advised Nigerians to frequently wash their hands,
avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, practice respiratory hygiene and that if
anyone has a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, they should seek medical
care early.
The DG assured Nigerians that with appropriate information,
treatment and precautions, the country will beat COVID-19 like it did Ebola.
The federal ministry of health earlier assured Nigerians of
the preparedness of the government to tackle the viral disease.
“The Federal Ministry of Health, through Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all
measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Nigeria,” Osagie
Enahire, minister of health, said.
“The multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by
the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has immediately activated its
national Emergency Operations Centre and will work closely with Lagos State
Health authorities to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.
“I wish to assure all Nigerians that have we have been
beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the first confirmation of cases
in China, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to
respond to this case.”
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