Truth be told, some people have already caught this virus. 

What should we know about COVID 19?

Covid -19 is an infectious condition, caused by the newly discovered Virus as novel coronavirus, which was first identified in WUHAN, CHINA, in December 2019. This means it can be spread directly or indirectly from one person to another. 

However, research has shown that Coronavirus has ‘high infectivity but low mortality’.

Risk of death is only higher in older people (above the age of ¬ 60 years) and people with pre- existing health conditions.

SYMPTOMS

  1. A high temperature / fever.
  2. Cough
  3. Shortness of breath. 
  4. Symptoms range from mild to severe. However, most of the symptoms can be treated with timely medical care


HOW DOES CORONAVIRUS SPREAD?

  1. Through eye, nose & mouth, via droplets produced on coughing or sneezing.
  2. Close contact with infected person(s).
  3. Contact with contaminated surfaces, objects, or items of personal use.


WHAT DO I DO IF I SUSPECT I MAY BE INFECTED?

ADVICE FROM NATIONAL CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL NIGERIA (NCDC) #6 DATED 18TH MARCH 2020.

TRAVELLERS TO NIGERIA

  • Travellers without symptoms on departure who become unwell in transit should self-report immediately to the Port Health Services on arrival
  • Travel restrictions have been imposed on travellers to Nigeria from China, Italy, Iran, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, United States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands and Switzerland
  • All travellers returning to Nigeria from any country must self-isolate for 14 days, whether symptomatic or not. If symptoms develop in this time:
  • Call the NCDC 24/7 toll-free line IMMEDIATELY on 080097000010
  • Avoid self-medication
  • Avoid contact with people
  • Travellers from high risk countries must:
  • Undergo secondary screening at the point of entry
  • Self-isolate for 14 days after arrival, even if you do not show symptoms
  • Be followed up by NCDC and Port Health Services

Travellers from Nigeria to these countries are advised to avoid contact with sick people.

 

ADVICE FOR HEALTH WORKERS

Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history. All health workers are strongly advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19. Health officials are advised to call 07032864444 for sample transportation and related advice if you have a case that fits the national case definition.

 

ADVICE FOR SCHOOLS AND BUSINESSES

The current situation in the country does not warrant a shutdown of daily activities. The NCDC has published and disseminated guidelines for safe gatherings on how to ensure preventive measures during gatherings. If there is sustained community transmission in Nigeria, various additional measures may be instituted. For now:

  • Schools are advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory and related materials on COVID-19 to all staff, students and parents.
  • Businesses are advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory and related materials on COVID-19 to all employees, clients and visitors.
  • Provide facilities for hand washing and emphasize the importance of this.
  • Encourage sick employees and students to stay at home.
  • Ensure routine cleaning of high-contact areas such as toilets, door handles, telephones etc.


HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to adhere to the following measures:

  1. Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water for at least 30 seconds or use alcohol-based sanitiser if water is not available.
  2. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness. Maintain at least 2 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing repeatedly
  3. 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.
  4. Do not mingle with people or congregate if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough, sneezing or difficulty breathing.