Nigeria has recorded a new case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Lagos, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to three.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire revealed this during a press briefing on the latest update on COVID-19 at the Ministry’s headquarters, Abuja, today March 17, 2020.
Dr. Ehanire disclosed that the latest case involved a Nigerian National in her 30s, who returned from a short visit to the United Kingdom on March, 13 and was said to have developed symptoms of the virus during her voluntary 14-day self-isolation. “She is currently at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) in Yaba, Lagos where she has remained clinically stable and is responding to treatment” the Minister said.
The Minister further said that intensive contact tracing has begun in order to identify all persons whom the patient had contact with since her return from the UK. “We expect the number to be small, because of her sensible decision to go into self-isolation from the time of her arrival.”
Dr. Ehanire informed that the inter-ministerial meeting of the Presidential Task force on Corona virus will hold later today to deliberate on the banning of flights into Nigeria or social activities and festivals.
He advised against relying on information from social media, as pranksters tend to abuse this medium for misinformation and disinformation that cause fear and panic.
Speaking further, the Minister enjoined all Nigerians to continue taking necessary hygiene precautions to protect themselves and their families and to also call the NCDC toll-free number 0800 9700 0010 for guidance, which is available 24 hours a day.
He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control will continue to collaborate with the Lagos State and other State Health Authorities to maintain stringent surveillance efforts and risk assessments on a daily basis.
Mrs. Enefaa Bob-Manuel
DD (Media & Public Relations)
