Ten New Cases of Covid-19 in Nigeria

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) has confirmed 10 (ten) new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria; 3 (three) new cases in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 7 (seven) new cases in Lagos State.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 22 (twenty-two).

A statement from the minister of health says All 10 (ten) new cases are Nigerian nationals; 9 (nine) of them have travel history to the Canada, France, Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom.

They returned to the country in the past 1 (one) week; the 10th case is a close contact of a previously confirmed case.

The 3 (three) cases in the FCT are being treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada while the 7 (seven) new cases in Lagos are being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba. All 10 (ten) new cases have mild to moderate symptoms and are currently receiving treatment.

As of the 21st of March 2020, 22 (twenty-two) cases have been confirmed, 2 (two) cases have been discharged and there has been no death from COVID-19 in Nigeria.

It states that The Federal Government of Nigeria remains committed to working with states to provide optimal care for all confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.

According to the statement, Contact tracing is ongoing to identify all persons who have been in contact with the new confirmed cases. The Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health has heightened screening at all air, land and sea points of entry into Nigeria and adapted the protocols to reflect the travel guidance issued by the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Corona Virus.

It is important that Nigerians strictly adhere to social distancing and other necessary precautions, including

Regular hands washing with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is available,

Social distancing, Use of no-touch greetings, Maintaining at least 2 metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing and Staying home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.

You can also call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free number 0800 9700 0010.

Do not self-medicate, Avoid or postpone events with large gatherings of people including schools, workplaces, and crowded places.

Maureen Eke