The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN and Port Health Services are making frantic efforts to get details on the index patient after Nigeria recorded her first case of the deadly coronavirus, which was an Italian. This is geared toward ascertaining how the confirmed case underwent screening procedures at the airports.
Regional Manager, Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Mrs Victoria Shinaba said screening procedures had been strengthened to detect any suspicion of the Corona Virus infection.
According to her, all screening facilities, thermal body and infrared scanners had since been deployed since the outbreak of the covid-19 for the screening of both inbound and outbound passengers.
Mrs. Shinaba noted that FAAN was working with the relevant Port Health Unit personnel and other stakeholders nationwide on the containment measures.
General Manager, Public Affairs, FAAN, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu said the authority was on top of the situation as it had escalated containment measures at airports nationwide, adding all concerned stakeholders; health officers, airlines and other secondary partners were all on red alert on the new development.
She urged air travellers and the general public to acquaint themselves with the Ministry of Aviation, health updates on prevention, information posted at strategic areas at the airport as well their jingle on the virus for prevention purposes.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) also appealed to those residing around the Lagos airport not to entertain any fear over the recent mock exercise it just carried out at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.
General Manager, FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, said the emergency simulation exercise is an operational requirement of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for aerodromes which is aimed at ascertaining the level of preparedness of the airport in real-life emergency situations.
She urged all airlines and the general public to always collaborate with FAAN and other aviation agencies to give the needed assistance in ensuring the safety of lives and facilities at the airport in the event of an emergency.
Airport authorities are stepping up screening procedures, after Lagos State Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi on Monday, confirmed that an Italian whose identity is yet to be made public travelled into Lagos testing positive.
The statement by the commissioner said: “The Coronavirus case is an Italian citizen who entered Nigeria on the 25th of February from Milan, Italy for a brief business visit.
“He fell ill on the 26th February and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing. COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
“The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
“The Government of Lagos State under the Governor as the COVID-19 Incident Commander, through the Lagos State Ministry of Health, has been strengthening measures to ensure that any outbreak in Lagos is controlled and contained quickly in collaboration with the multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
“We have immediately activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.”
“I wish to assure all Lagosians and Nigerians that we have been strengthening our preparedness since the first confirmation of Coronavirus case in China. We will use all the resources made available by the state and the federal government to respond to this case.”
“We are working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he arrived in Nigeria. Please, be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only a mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses.
“All Lagosians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below.”
The precautions as listed by Abayomi are:
Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitises.
Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
People coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd.
Ensure that you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene by covering mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing. You can also sneeze or cough into your sleeve at the bent elbow. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
Stay indoors if you feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing.
Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, the Social Media, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.
He also urged Lagosians not to abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic, assuring that relevant agencies have been mobilised.
The statement added: “The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Lagos.”