PMB holds Teleconference with members of COVID-19 Presidential Task Force (PHOTO)

President Buhari holds Teleconference with members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 to discuss Response Efforts from State House today

Lagos discovers 119 people with COVID-19 symptoms in house to house search

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said a total of 119 people with COVID-19 symptoms have been identified in the state following a house to house search.

Abayomi disclosed this at a press briefing on Tuesday, April 14. He said a total of 118,000 households had been reached in the search of possible COVID-19 cases in communities.

The Lagos State Government had announced on Thursday, April 9, that it has commenced a house to house search to find possible Coronavirus patients. He said community search was activated to limit the spread of the disease in the state which had the highest number of COVID-19 patients in the country.

The search yielded 119 people showing symptoms that are suggestive of COVID-19.

Abayomi said: "We’ve embarked on an active case search in communities. The idea is to go to hot spots and go from door to door with our health personnel.

"So far, in the last two days, we’ve visited 118,000 households and we’re looking for the typical symptoms of COVID-19.

"We’ve identified about 119 people who have the symptoms that are suggestive of COVID-19.

"But let me remind you that COVID-19 is one of the viruses that can cause respiratory symptoms. There are many viruses. So, the idea is to take samples from these 119 and analyse them and that would give us an idea of how much COVID-19 activity is happening in the communities."

He said those identified to have COVID-19 will be taken to the isolation centres, in order to reduce the opportunities for transmission.

COVID19: Wearing of face mask is recommended- NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recommended the use of face masks for members of the public without respiratory symptoms.

The recommendation is contained in the NCDC’s ‘Advisory on the Use of Masks by Members of the Public Without Respiratory Symptoms’ document which was released on Tuesday April 14. 

The agency said face masks can act as an “additional layer” in the battle against COVID-19 in the country but added that it was not compulsory. It advised older people with pre-existing conditions to wear face masks as well as a person visiting a crowded place, such as a market.

Below are the five recommendations of the NCDC on face masks in the country:

1. The wearing of face masks, (or equivalent) is recommended as an optional
additional layer to be used in addition to other measures such as physical
distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures in Nigeria. The primary rationale for the advice on face masks is to prevent those who
are infected but asymptomatic from spreading the virus.

Masks have to be properly disposed of in waste bins. Improper handling and frequently touching masks can increase the risk of infection. Improvised masks are also an option – as long as they are properly washed regularly. They can
be made out of cloth or other materials.

2. The usage of face masks is particularly advised while attending large
gatherings (where it is absolutely necessary to attend). These include but
are not limited to shopping outlets, markets, shops and pharmacies among
others.

3. Given the global shortage of personal protective equipment including
medical masks, public sector resources should be preserved to procure
medical masks for patients and healthcare workers who need them the
most.

4. The wearing of face masks alone will not protect against COVID-19, but
must be combined with physical distancing, handwashing, respiratory
hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and other
advice from NCDC.

5. Older persons (> 60) with existing medical conditions such as diabetes
are particularly encouraged to wear masks as they are at higher risk
of infection. It is also further advised that face masks are used by more
vulnerable members of the society, citizens with ongoing respiratory
problems, and those already exhibiting symptoms and awaiting testing.

Nine COVID19 patients discharged in Abuja

Nine COVID19 patients have been discharged after recovering from the disease at the Abuja Isolation Center.

This brings to 20 the number of COVID-19 patients that have been discharged from the center. 

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA) announced this development in a tweet on Wednesday morning April 15.

NINE (9) NEWLY DISCHARGED IN THE FCT As at 5:50am, 15th April, 2020. Residents are urged to continue to #StayHome and #StaySafe by adhering to precautionary measures laid down.

Out of the nine (9) newly discharged, two (2) were treated at the National Hospital Isolation & Treatment Centre while the other seven (7) were treated at the UniAbuja Teaching Hospital Isolation Centre, Gwagwalada

Corporate Affairs Commission Headquarters Abuja gutted by fire(photos)

Days after the office of the Accountant General of the Federation went up in flames, the headquarters of the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC in Abuja has been gutted by fire.

The building located in Maitama District Abuja, went up in flames on Wednesday morning April 15. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The fire is said to have engulfed the last floor of the seven storey building, destroying valuables and other items.

When contacted, spokesperson of the Federal Fire Service, DSF Ugo Huan said fire fighters were on their way to the scene.