By Hassan Zaggi
Since the past two weeks, over 40 health workers have tested positive to Covid-19 and are being quarantined in Nigeria, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has disclosed.
He made the disclosure at a media briefing in Abuja, Thursday.
Ehanire, therefore, warned the health workers not to treat any patient without using adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
While commending the health workers for their dedication to duty since the advent of the Covid-19 in Nigeria, the Minister vowed that the federal government “will continue to provide you with the necessary PPE.
“I urge you to take all necessary precautions for your own safety.
“Please do not treat any patient without using adequate PPE. Frontline health workers must undertake refresher training on IPC.
“This advice has become necessary due of the number of health workers who have tested positive for COVID-19- they are over 40 now, or been quarantined in the last 2 weeks due to exposure.
“Remain vigilant in the line of duty and maintain a high index if suspicion for COVID-19.”
He advised Nigerians to “use a mask or face covering when you leave your residence, practice hand and respiratory hygiene, physical distancing and to avoid mass gathering and non-essential travel. Individual actions will determine the success of the actions being taken by government, stopping the spread of COVID-19 is a collective effort.
“If you suspect you or anyone around you may have COVID-19, call the toll-free NCDC number 112 or 0800 9700 0010.
“With time the ambulance service will be available to take those who test positive to the treatment site.”
