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 the novel coronavirus (Covid-19).
NCDC Director-General, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.
According to Ihekweazu, the centre has also “escalated the multi-sectoral coronavirus preparedness group to an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at level II to lead response activities.”
Nigeria’s first case of coronavirus is the third confirmed case in Africa following two in Algeria.
The patient, an Italian national, arrived in Nigeria on Tuesday from Milan, Italy and has been placed in isolation.
Ihekweazu said health facilities must remain on high alert.
“The NCDC will continue to keep Nigerians informed. It is important for them to be focused on facts and not fear,” he said.
“Nigerians should protect themselves by staying calm, drink lots of water.”
Ihekweazu advised that people should frequently wash their hands, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, practice respiratory hygiene and if anyone has fever, cough and difficulty breathing, they should seek medical care early.
He assured that with appropriate information, treatment and precautions, Nigeria will beat Covid-19 like Ebola.
