Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Prince has announced a second case of the coronavirus pandemic in the State.
Briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, identified the victim as a retiree who spent one month in the United Kingdom (UK) and returned to Nigeria via Aero Contractor air flight to Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos on March 21, 2020.
Prof. Chike explained that the patient developed fluid symptoms and the sample were collected as the result confirmed positive. And that contact tracing has commenced on the other who travelled with him.
Explaining further, Prof. Chike said the patient has since been moved to the State treatment center and now receiving prompt and adequate treatment in line with established treatment guidelines for his general condition.
The Commissioner pointed out that 35 persons who returned from impacted areas before the boarder was closed are under surveillance, and that they will continue to monitor them and give the general public updates as events unfold.
He assured the people of the state that the state public emergency operations centre would remain on response mode with dedicated and experienced health officers and volunteers doing their best to conquer the pandemic in the state.
Noting that the treatment center is active and staffed for efficient service delivery in the containment effort, the Commissioner used the opportunity to thank Governor Nyesom Wike for his exemplary commitment to the health sector during the period of the pandemic.
He also urged the general public to practice good respiratory hygiene, saying people should cover their mouth and nose within their sleeve at the flexed elbow or with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Prof. Chike who advised residents of the State to continue to maintain social distancing and regular use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, further advised exposed persons to stay at home if they feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing and notify relevant authorities immediately.
