Coronavirus: The infected Italian had contact with about 100 persons – Lagos State Government.
The Lagos State Government has been in touch with around 100 people who may have been exposed to an Italian man who is the country’s first coronavirus patient, the health commissioner, Professor Akin Abayomi said on Sunday.
Abayomi gave the figure to Reuters in a telephone interview.
“It is around 100 people but that number is increasing every minute,” he said.
Lafarge Africa Cement factory in Ewekoro, Ogun State which the Italian visited has already identified 39 people who made contacts with him. They have all been quarantined.
The Italian, who works as a vendor for Lafarge is now being treated at the Mainland Hospital in Yaba where he is getting all the medical attention he needs.
The company issued a statement on Sunday in which it said its cement production lines remained open though co-workers he had contact have been quarantined.
The case, which is the first in sub-Saharan Africa, has prompted fears the virus could spread quickly. However, the Federal Ministry of Health has released some safety guidelines to protect Nigerians from the virus as follows:
1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
2. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
3. Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
4. Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
5. Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication
6. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.
Sources:
Today
NCDC
Lagos State Ministry of Health
