Following the confirmation of the first case of COVID – 19 in Lagos, Nigeria, it has become imperative to brief you on the State of preparedness and necessary preventive behavior we should adopt in the interest of Public Health Safety. COVID – 19 was first discovered in the WUHAN Province on 31st December, 2019. Since then, there has been over 80,000 cases globally, mainly in China, with about 55 countries affected as at yesterday.
The risk of importation into the country was considered high especially as result of trade and travel traffic. The Rivers State Ministry of Health is working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (especially the Ports health services), the National Centre for Disease Control and other relevant stakeholders to ensure maximum surveillance at all international entry points in the State. Surveillance at the International Airport Omagwa has been strengthened with multiple layers of screening from inflight assessment to the use of thermal cameras for early detection of suspected cases as well as secondary screening for selected passengers. In line with our protocol, all asymptomatic travelers from impacted areas coming into the State are placed on self-isolation for the maximum incubation period of the disease and monitored through the period at their destination within the State by assigned surveillance health officers without stigma.
So far and for the avoidance of doubt, there is no case of COVID-19 in Rivers State.
However, we have further raised our preparedness level for COVID-19 to ALERT mode with the establishment of multi-sectoral emergency preparedness Technical Working Group specifically dedicated to reviewing the risk for COVID importation and evaluating the response pattern as events unfold in the State. In addition, we have marked out an adhoc treatment center for COVID-19 in case of any eventuality. Presently, the State rapid response team is reinforcing preparedness with simulations for evacuations and triage at this center. We have in stock, sufficient quantities of commodities especially Protective personal Equipment and supportive drugs for therapeutic interventions in case of further challenges.
We still believe in the opportunities and the gains of prevention and early detection. To this end we join the rest of the global community to advise as follows:
- Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water (especially when soiled); the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also recommended.
- Maintain at least 1 & half meters (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should keep a social distance and not mix in crowd.
- Endeavour to practice good respiratory hygiene: when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve at the flexed elbow. Then dispose-off the used tissue safely, immediately.
- Exposed persons should stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing and notify relevant authorities immediately.
All health facilities should ensure strict and appropriate IPC at all triage points. Citizens are further advised not to abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that can cause panic and lead to danger. The Rivers PHEOC will continue to provide updates and pursue all necessary measures to ensure public health safety. There is therefore, no cause for alarm as the State Government is taking care of the situation. For further information or enquiry, please call:
08056109538
08031888093
08033124314
Dr. Chinwe Tonye Atata
Director Planning, Research & Statistics,
Ministry of Health
For: Permanent Secretary, MOH.
