The Federal Ministry of Health has outlined precautionary measures to be taken by Nigerians following the report of the first confirmed case of the new Coronavirus COVID-19 in Lagos, Nigeria.
In the early hours of Friday, February 28, the ministry had announced Nigeria first case of coronavirus, making it the first case in sub-Saharan Africa, even as infection rapidly spreads worldwide.
Efforts are being made by the ministry to curtail the spread of the disease by identifying who the first patient had been in contact with.
See precautions as shared by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire below:
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
- Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication.
- Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.
The minister of health added that;
Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. 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.
