By Asmau Ahmad
The Nigeria Center For Disease Control (NCDC) has re-emphasises the need to avoid non-essential travels during Ramadan to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Director- General of the NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu told NAN in Abuja that it is very important to adhere to public health and social measures required to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.
“As Nigerians celebrate Easter and begin Ramadan, it is very important to remember the public health and social measures required to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.
“It is very important to remember the public health and social measures required to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.”
Dr Chikwe also emphasised the need for sustained testing as an effective public health response to detect, isolate and treat cases of COVID-19. “Testing is one of the key components in Nigeria’s response to the pandemic.
“The benefits of getting tested include ascertaining the incidence of COVID-19 in the community, opportunity to break the chain of transmission in the community and tracking of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 in the country.”
He said that the number of collection sites and laboratories had increased in the country making testing more accessible and effective.
“The capacity for testing has increased in Nigeria since the outbreak began, from four laboratories to 129 functional laboratories. Of these, 48 are private laboratories and eight are corporate laboratories.
“Each state and the FCT have several sample collection sites with at least one molecular laboratory to test. “Samples are tested daily to ensure results are communicated to the clients, patients and/or managing team for optimum care,” he explained.
The NCDC boss noted that it was, therefore, important that Nigerians to utilise these resources to enable control of the spread of COVID-19. “The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, sneezing, loss of smell and taste among many others.
“It is important to get tested when you have any of the symptoms in the case definition or if you are a close contact to any confirmed case. “If in doubt on how to get a test, call your state emergency line or call 6232, the NCDC Connect Centre toll free number.
