Health experts in Nigeria are confident that the country can contain the spread of the Coronavirus after it recorded a first case on Tuesday. The virus has raised significant international concerns and alarm.
A few hours ago, the virus; COVID-19 (Coronavirus) got public attention in Nigeria, the third reported in Africa after Egypt and Algeria. The virus has hopped borders, infected over 82, 294 confirmed cases globally.
OladoyinOdubanjo, chair, Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria (APHPN), Lagos Chapter, said that there are possibilities of containment, we must not be afraid nor panic but most importantly, we should know the right precautions and strengthened the country’s surveillance more.
“No matter what, outbreaks will happen as long as we all know what to do. We can control and contain it spreads to reduce the threats.”
“Nigeria needs to continuously check virus outbreaks; it is a responsibility of individuals, government, health workers to be at more alert,” he said.
Similarly, a health analyst also expressed that containment efforts are based on what we know about the virus, noting that the best way to control the virus its spread is through containment measures such as quarantines and travel restrictions.
Coronavirus is not only a Nigerian thing; there has been a worldwide effort to stop the spread of this virus. At this level, we just have to contain the virus outbreak as it has its way to only Lagos as a location.
“Prevention to exposure of epidemic cannot be overemphasized, there is more need for citizens not to panic and consistently follow necessary precautions. Programme to deepen awareness across the country should be publicised,” he said.
However, the Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health has been strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly.
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.
The Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire, assures all Nigerians saying the country has been beefing up its preparedness capabilities since the first confirmation of cases in China.
“We will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case,” he said
