By Monday Osayande
Following outbreak of the dreaded Coronavirus, otherwise known as Convid 19, in Lagos, Delta State Government on Friday expressed readiness to combat the spread of the disease.
The government also assured that all Health institutions in the state have been well equip over possible outbreak of the disease in the state.
Delta Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye while reacting to the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease, said government had placed all health related institutions and disease control centres on red alert.
Ononye said, “Delta is among the five high risk states and Abuja for the airborne disease because of the availability of seaports and airport, and so we cannot claim ignorance of the information at hand.”
He told journalists in Asaba on Friday that the state had since switched from watch-mode to alert mode since the Lagos case was discovered.
ALSO READ: Coronavirus Hits Nigeria As First Case Recorded In Lagos
According to him, the team that successfully managed Lassa fever, has built enough capacity and shown commitment to address any health challenges at any given time
Ononye stated further that seaports in Warri, Sapele, Koko and Oghara have been designated as holding centres for any possible outbreak, while all hospitals across the state are mandated to designate an isolated area as detention centre for any case of Convid 19.
Also speaking, State Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu, however cautioned Deltans not to panic over the disease, saying it is not a death sentence, as the fatality rate is 2.3%.
“It is not as bad as Ebola, and we were able to deal with Ebola. As a state, we maintain international borders because of the airport and seaports, and the disease is coming from outside unlike Lassa fever.
“We have started screening at Asaba Airport but we want to urge our people not to panic, they should go about their lawful businesses without entertaining fears,” Aniagwu said.
YOU MAY ALSO READ: Why Boko Haram Insurgents Are Attacking Christians – FG
Meanwhile, the Incident Manager, Delta State Response Management Centre, Dr. Anne Ojimba revealed that 82,294 Convid 19 cases have been recorded globally, and that 2,804 deaths have been recorded.
Dr. Ojimba announced that the cases mostly occurred in China, but there are reported cases in Algeria and Egypt, making Nigeria a high risk nation.
While giving some tips on how to prevent the disease, she advised the public to always engage in adequate and effective hand washing practice.
She enjoined residents to maintain 1.5 meter away from any person coughing, while urging those coughing to observe coughing etiquettes.
