Following the confirmation of the first Covid-19 (Coronavirus) case in Nigeria on the 27th of February, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Saturday issued a new advisory to Nigerians to curtail the spread of the disease.
According to the fourth advisory, travellers to Nigeria without symptoms on departure but become unwell in transit are advised to self-report to the Port Health Services on arrival while travellers from countries with ongoing local transmission, but who show no symptoms on arrival should self-isolate at home for 14 days after arrival.
Travellers from countries with ongoing local transmission who feel ill with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of arrival in Nigeria, are advised to observe self-isolation immediately by staying indoors, avoiding self-medication and contact with people or Call the NCDC 24/7 toll-free line immediately on 080097000010.
Travellers from Nigeria to China and other affected countries are advised to avoid contact with sick people.
The NCDC strongly advised that all non-essential travel to countries with ongoing local transmission be postponed, until the outbreak is contained.
The NCDC stated that the current situation in the country does not warrant a shutdown of daily activities, adding that additional measures may be instituted if transmission is sustained in Nigeria.
But businesses and schools are however advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory and related materials on COVID-19 to all employees, clients, visitors, staff, students and parents. Encourage sick employees and students to stay at home; ensure routine cleaning of high contact areas such as toilets, door handles, telephones etc., and provide facilities and emphasise the importance of hand washing.
All health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 and all health officials are advised to call 07032864444 for sample transportation and related advice if a case that fits the national case definition is identified.
To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, members of the public are again advised to adhere to the following measures:
“Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitizer if water is not available.
“Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use. You may also cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.
“Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
“Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history.”
The NCDC said screening has already been heightened at Port health services in Nigeria.
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