Coronavirus: We Are Monitoring Situation Closely- FG
The Federal Government has said it is closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus 2019 outbreak.
As at January 30, the disease has spread to 18 countries (Japan, Republic of Korea, Vietnam, Republic of Singapore, Thailand, United States of America, Australia, Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, French Republic, Malaysia, Canada, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, India and Finland) affecting four continents (Asia, Europe, USA and Australia).
Till date, there is no confirmed case of the novel Coronavirus on the African continent.
Given the present situation, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has put in place quick and diverse strategies to prevent importation of cases into the country.
A multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group has been constituted to carry out regular epidemic intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance at the points of entry, intensive risk communications, strengthen laboratory capacity for testing, placing National First Rapid Response Team to highly pathogenic infections on alert and scaling up of Public Health Emergency Operation Centres in states, among others. (PHEOCs are already established in 22 states)
The Coronavirus Preparedness Group has representatives from Federal Ministry Of Health (FMoH), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), World Health Organisation (WHO), US Centres for Disease Control (US-CDC), Pro-Health International (PHI) and Public Health England (PHE), among others.
The Port Health Services unit of the Federal Ministry of Health has also heightened surveillance at the points of entry.
To reduce the risk of spread of coronavirus, members of the public are advised to:
• Regularly wash hands with soap under running water.
• Cover mouth and nose properly with a handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. You may also cough into your elbow if a handkerchief is not available.
• Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid self-medication. Report to the nearest health facility when you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
• Healthcare workers are advised to always observe standard infection prevention and control measures, when attending to patients and take a travel history.
• Travellers from China who show no symptoms on arrival, but who have a fever and cough within 14 days of arrival in Nigeria, should contact NCDC on 0800-970000-10.
Meanwhile, a report on a Chinese newsletter released in Abuja, yesterday, by Sun Saixiong Press Officer at the Chinese Embassy disclosed that on the Chinese mainland, the total number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus climbed to 11,791 as of midnight of Jan 31, including 259 deaths and 243 who had recovered and had been discharged from the hospital.
Global organisations and leaders are rallying support for the second largest economy in the world to overcome the challenge posed by the disease.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for rational measures for protection and prevention.
“It’s important to not instill too much fear into people and to have them lead a normal life as good as possible in these circumstances,” a WHO spokesperson said, calling for a rational approach to the battle against Coronavirus and not to panic.
The European Union (EU) reiterated its support for China in battling the virus.
The EU said it highly respects and recognises the measures China has taken to contain the outbreak, and admires its quick action in dealing with the epidemic.