Coronavirus: Minister briefs press on updates, announce emergency numbers

The Minister of  Health , Dr. E. Osagie Ehanire, has given a Ministerial update on measures taken so far by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health, relevant parastatals and Agencies to prevent the importation of coronavirus into Nigeria and level of preparedness in case of any eventuality.

The update was given during an interractive session with health Journalists in the Ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja.

In his words “Holding regular updates on the Coronavirus outbreak, its attendant threat and steps taken by the Nigerian Government to protect her citizens is of utmost importance”

 The Minister further noted that prompt updates are necessary considering   the various  unreliable media platforms who churn out unverified, misleading and fake news reports to the news thirsty public.

Speaking, Ehanire said that currently, “there is no case of Coronavirus in Nigeria” but  surveillance activities have been scaled up at Airports, Doctors are sharing information on how to test and handle suspected cases and the health sector is expanding her public health laboratories across the country in order to meet up with the requirements needed to diagnose coronavirus, according to WHO standards.

He mentioned that there is an Isolation Centre prepared in University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada, Abuja, where possible suspected cases arriving the country through Abuja, could be quarantined. He inspected the centre some days back, the Minister recalled.

On the welfare of the about 60 Nigerians living in Wudan, the affected area in China, the Minister stated that they are being monitored closely.

The Minister assured that the People’s republic of China is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that every passenger travelling in and out of China is being screened, more hospitals are being constructed and scientists are not resting on their oars in finding a lasting solution to the disease.

He advised that if anyone should suspect any individual or person he/she should call the following help lines for further directives and necessary action:  08095553232, 09092996283.

Enefaa Bob-Manuel

Head (Media & Public Relations)