Yuletide: NCDC Advises Nigerians To Increase Awareness On Protection Against Covid-19
LAGOS NOVEMBER 30TH (NEWSRANGERS)-The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued public health advisory for all members of the public to increase awareness about the continued risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It offered advice on the measures that need to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the upcoming Christmas and New Year period.
In a statement made available to NewsRangers NCDC recognized that people who want to travel and be with family and friends in the yuletide period, stressing however that this has been a difficult year and the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our usual way of living and Nigerians need to make adjustments in their lives to the new reality they are faced with.
It advised that Nigerians must continue to take the necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19, adding that since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Nigeria no fewer than 67,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported with just over1,000 deaths.
“Most of the confirmed cases and deaths have been in urban/semi-urban cities and town and the risk of spread remains. The COVID-19 virus does not spread on its own, it spreads when people move around. This means that by traveling across countries and cities, there is a higher risk of transmission, especially to rural areas where the existing health infrastructure is already weak.
“Nigerians are therefore advised to be vigilant, this is not the time to let our guard time. It is therefore advisable to: 1.Limit al lnon-essential domestic and international travel. This is especially important for intending travelers from countries recording a high number of COVID-19 cases, “ the statement read,
NCDC stated that as an alternative to travel, Nigerians should Limit festivities to members of their immediate household while remaining physically distanced, remain socially connected with friends and loved ones using mobile or video conferencing technology.
“Hold virtual services and prayer sessions to limit mass congregation. Limit person-to-person contact and physical movement using electronic money transfers systems.
“Always wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth when in public settings,such as religious centres and market places .Maintain physical distance of at least two metres from others in public settings Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly dirty and running water is not readily available.
“Avoid direct contact with people such as hugging and handshaking. Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper, or your elbow when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after useand wash your hands.
“Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness.Stay at home if you feel unwell and call your state helpline. Do not mingle with others if you have symptoms such as fever, cough or sudden loss of sense of taste or smell. Public settings including religious settings, businesses, markets should ensure adherence to public health and safety measures
“Vulnerable groups i.e. people 60 and above and/or people with pre-existing medical conditions should avoid non-essential outings and visitors. Where possible, have a friend or family member bring you supplies,”the statement advised.
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