The Honourable Minister of Health Dr, Osagie Ehanire has reiterated that there is only one confirmed case of COVID -19 in Nigeria.
The Minister reaffirmed this at the 4th Ministerial press briefing in Abuja, since the index case was confirmed, while giving latest updates on COVID -19 in Nigeria. Speaking, he informed that a total of 21 suspected case have been identified across 4 states in the country: Lagos, Ogun, FCT, and Kano adding that as at the last update on March 4th, out of the three new suspected cases, two tested negative while one result is still pending.
Ehanire stated that out of the 148 passengers on the manifest of the index case flight, 55 are actively followed up while others are being reached out to. He urged the passengers on board the Turkish Airline to Lagos on February 24 to reach the Ministry on the numbers: 08009700001-10.
He mentioned that Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has released new guidance for schools in the country while stressing the importance of ensuring personal and respiratory hygiene in all educational institutions. The NCDC has also collaborated with Dettol Nigeria to publish a video on COVID -19 preventive measures with Funke Akindele, a Nollywood actress, thus schools need not be shut down in the country at the moment, the Minister emphasised.
He advised the general public to desist from spreading rumours or misinforming citizens which lead to fear and panic; pointing out the fact that he convenes press briefings three times every week: Mondays, and Fridays while he briefs the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesdays to keep the public and government informed about the disease. The Minister also noted that NCDC publishes situation report on COVID-19 in the country daily and that the Federal Ministry Of Health, monitors closely, to compare our infection prevention and control measures with what obtains in other countries. “I can confirm that our standard in Nigeria is among the best”
Ehanire recalled that a second COVID-19 Preparedness & Response Inter- Ministerial Multisectoral meeting which convened all heads of Agencies was held recently in Abuja, to re-strategize in-order to contain the disease. He therefore advised Nigerians to remain calm, avoid panic, stay away from rumour mongering and maintain regular hygiene. He implored all to visit the nearest health facility if in suspicion of any symptoms or feeling unwell or call the NCDC 24/7 toll free numbers on 080097000010 and shun self -medication.
Speaking also, the outgoing World Health Organisation(WHO) Officer- in -charge, Dr. Clement Peter, lauded the government of Nigeria and Health Ministry for the conscious efforts made so far to curtail and contain the COVID-19 in the country.
Earlier, the Director General(DG) National Institute For Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Dr. Obi Peter Adigwe, made a presentation on locally manufactured hand sanitizer produced to cushion the scarcity of the product caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 and to also encourage local manufacturers. He also hinted that the institute is working on other novel products in-order to boost the country’s economy.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head (Media & Public Relations)FMOH
