The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday deployed rapid response teams to Lagos state to support the government after Nigeria recorded its first case of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of NCDC, made this known in Abuja as Nigeria became the second country in Africa to confirm the disease.
In Italian citizen who entered Nigeria on the 25th of February from Milan, Italy on a business visit tested positive to the virus.
Ihekweazu explained that health facilities must remain on high alert but 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.
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“Nigerians should protect themselves by staying calm, drink lots of water.”
The DG 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.
He, however, assured Nigerians that with the appropriate information, treatment and precautions, the country will beat COVID-19 like it did Ebola.
Earlier, Osagie Enahire, minister of health, said: “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,”.
“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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