>
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control(NCDC) has deployed its Rapid Response Teams to support the Lagos State Government, as Nigeria records its first case of Coronavirus.
Director-General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe
Ihekweazu, disclosed this in Abuja while speaking to newsmen.
He said the NCDC has also ”escalated the multi-sectoral coronavirus preparedness group to an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), at Level II to lead response activities.”
The patient, an Italian national returned to Nigeria from Italy and has been placed in isolation.
Ihekweazu said health facilities must remain on high alert and assured Nigerians of their safety against COVID19.
”The NCDC will continue to keep Nigerians informed. It is important for them to be focused on facts and not fear.
”Nigerians should protect themselves by staying calm, drink lots of water,” he added.
He said Nigerians should frequently wash their hands, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, practice respiratory hygiene and if anyone have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, they should seek medical care early.
The DG assured Nigerians that with appropriate information, treatment and precautions, Nigeria will beat COVID19 like Ebola.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation(WHO) has issued some tips on how people can protect themselves against the virus ravaging the world.
The organisation said engaging in these activities will prevent the spread of the virus as the world seeks solutions to the pandemic.
Here are tips from the WHO on how to protect yourself and others against the virus:
Wash your hands frequently
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand. Rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least one metre (three feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you and the people around you follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Droplets spread the virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance
Follow the directions of your local health authority
National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent the spread of viruses and other infections.
Stay informed and follow the advice given by your healthcare provider.