The minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has called on all those who arrive the country for celebration to isolate and present themselves for test on the 7th day to avoid spreading the diseases.
He made this call on Thursday in Abuja while briefing member of the press during the presidential task force national weekly briefing.
According to him, the nation is recording an increase in the number of passengers coming into the country.
As at today, the number of confirmed cases of Covid 19 has continued to climb giving cause for worry. On the 23rd December, 2020, we recorded 1,133 confirmed cases and 5 deaths bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 80, 922 from 912,114 Samples tested. 1236 people have lost their lives to the disease.
Dr. Ehinare further noted “Last week, the number of inbound passengers increased to 20,208 against 15,805 the previous week. 270 passengers tested positive after 7 days against 129 the week before. This represents more than 100% increase from the previous week.
“Our record shows that only about 60% of those due for testing present themselves for test. The implication of this is that many who have the virus could spread it in the community without knowing it.
“I therefore call on all those who arrive the country to isolate and present themselves for test on the 7th day. You will be saving a lot of lives. The life you save may be that of your own loved one.
He also added that the nation will continue to ensure standards are maintained in the operations and activities at Isolation centres including training, logistics & supplies and Data management.
“In addition, a robust coordination meeting held yesterday 23rd December, 2020 with CEOs of the Federal Tertiary Hospitals and the Team Leads for the states Isolation centres in attendance as part of efforts to ensure coordination in the management of cases in all the isolation centers across the country.
“As we celebrate this Christmas, please be reminded of the importance of adhering to preventive measures. Wear your masks to cover your nose and mouth, wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol based hand sanitizer, observe physical distance and avoid crowded places.