All you need to know about Corona Virus in Nigeria (COVID-19)
How it all Began:
The new Corona virus (COVID-19) was introduced to Nigeria on February 25, 2020, by an Italian engineer traveling from Milan (a European center of the virus outbreak) via Istanbul to Lagos on Turkish Airlines. After an overnight stay in a Lagos hotel, he proceeded to his place of employment, a cement factory in Ogun state. Federal and state authorities have moved quickly to quarantine him and to trace all of those with whom he had come into contact, including is 156 fellow airline passengers. Screening procedures were established at ports of entry, and the Federal government is moving to make testing for the disease free. The media is carrying public health announcements, such as the need for hand-washing. The Italian is reported to be in stable condition and there are no reported deaths from the disease in Nigeria as of the time of writing this piece.
Statistics and Numbers
As at the 23th of March 2020, thirty (35) cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and there has been no death from COVID-19 in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to working with states to provide optimal care for all COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country. ( So says the News!)
Contact tracing is ongoing to identify all persons who have been in contact with the new confirmed cases. The Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health has heightened screening at all air, land and sea points of entry into Nigeria and adapted the protocols to reflect the travel guidance issued by the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus. ( So says the News!)
When issues like this come up, a lot of opinions would arise. A lot of Nigerians were of the opinion that the government did not respond in Time. There should have been a very fast move to initiate lock down on all international airports and major cities that have recorded cases as soon a it became known that it has become a global pandemic. Also, closure of border was delayed.
Symptoms of Corona Virus (COVID-19)in Pictures:
Although, some people are asymptomatic, others start showing obvious signs after some time. Pictures below.
What you must do and what to avoid
It is important that Nigerians strictly adhere to social distancing and other necessary precautions in place. These measures include taking the following precautions below to protect yourself and your family:
1. Wash hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is available
2. Social distancing is crucial to reducing the spread of COVID-19 through;
● Use of no-touch greetings
● Maintaining at least 2 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
● Staying home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Immediately call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free number 0800 970 000 0010. Do not self-medicate
● Avoiding/postponing events with large gatherings of people including schools, workplaces, places of worship, crowded supermarkets and pharmacies, social and sporting events.
3. Persons with a persistent cough or sneezing, should stay at home until they recover
4. Make sure you and people around you observe hand and respiratory hygiene by:
● Covering your nose with tissue when sneezing or coughing. Immediately dispose of tissue in a covered bin and wash your hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is available
● Coughing or sneezing into the sleeve of your bent elbow if no tissue is available.
5. Avoid all non-essential travel to all countries
Numbers to Call to report cases of Corona Virus (COVID-19):
Immediately call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free number 0800 970 000 0010. Do not self-medicate
The Federal Ministry of Health through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control will maintain a real-time update on new cases through www.covid19.ncdc.gov.ng. We will continue to provide updates as and when they become available. The Federal Ministry of Health reiterates its commitment to ensure the control of the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria. ( So says the News!)
This is a gentle plea to all citizen of Nigeria, do your own bit by staying safe before going ahead to apportion blame on the government. Together we will overcome.
My name is Onuzurike Chukwuagozie
Got any questions on this? I’d be glad to help: 07035199394
#staysafe
#touchinglives
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