Kaduna State Ministry of Health has assured that the Infectious Disease Control Centre (IDCC) is ready to receive any case of the coronavirus pandemic, as a critical care team is on standby to support the centre.
A statement issued by the ministry on Saturday, said that Dr Amina Mohammed-Baloni, the Commissioner for Health, gave the assurance that the IDCC has been strengthened.
Dr Baloni met with the Chief Medical Directors of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital(ABUTH), National Ear Care Centre and representatives of the National Eye Centre in order to achieve this, the statement said
The commissioner further said that health workers have been trained following the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Case Management Protocols.
‘’This training is being cascaded to frontline health workers with the support of World Health Organisation(WHO) and other partners,’’ she added.
The statement recalled that an Emergency Operations Committee(EOC), comprising all relevant stakeholders, was set up on 28th February 2020, adding that it meets twice weekly to review progress.
According to the statement, the EOC is chaired by the Commissioner of Health and it coordinates the Kaduna State’s preparedness for Covid-19.
The ministry advised residents to be calm, as it is monitoring the three persons who have recently returned from the United Kingdom and Egypt, who are in self isolation but have shown no symptoms of the disease.
The statement advised the people of Kaduna State to observe basic hygiene in order to prevent coronavirus, reiterating that ‘’residents should wash their hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers.’’
The commissioner further said that residents should maintain social distancing, by keeping at least two meters apart from other people, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Dr Baloni also advised them to practise respiratory hygiene by covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing and dispose of the tissue immediately in a covered bin or coughing into the elbow.
‘’All travellers from affected countries should self-isolate for a period of 14 days and report any symptom of cough, fever or difficulty in breathing to the following numbers: 08025088304, 08032401473, 08035871662 and 08037808191,’’ she added.
The statement recalled that Kaduna State Government has banned gatherings of more than 50 persons, closed all schools with effect from Monday.
The Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Mr Muyiwa Adekeye who issued the statement, also said that social gatherings like parties, socialising at bars, restaurants, night clubs and public parks have been suspended until further notice.