Federal Ministry of Health Press Release
16th June, 2020.
Cross River, Kogi, others to get laboratory with PCR testing capability – Ehanire
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has disclosed that efforts are in top gear to increase the number of laboratories with priority given to States which do not presently have a laboratory with PCR capability. He mentioned Cross River and Kogi States in particular.
Dr. Ehanire made this known at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Press Briefing on Monday, 15 June, 2020. He said that a collaborative effort is being made with States to strengthen their response according to needs; consequently, a collaborative team comprising of representatives of all relevant Departments to be led by the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib will be sent to Cross River State in the coming days to provide technical support and complement the work of the State Government.
The Minister further informed that 403 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed on June 14, 2020, which increased the total number to 16,085, with 5,220 persons treated and discharged while 420 persons were lost to the disease. “Despite the rising figures, the case fatality rate remains at about 3%, which is lower than many countries, but not a cause for relief. The increasing pace of testing will yield more cases, but we need to also be proactive in keeping fatalities low”.
Speaking, he said “It is still strongly advised that those who test positive present themselves at a treatment center; this is most especially so for those with underlying ailments like diabetes, hypertension or are above 60 years of age as experience shows that COVID-19 symptoms can start mildly with slight fever, cough, loss of sense of smell or taste, but suddenly escalate to shortness of breath in no time. Lagos State reports that people who delay going to hospital and treating themselves first at home are the majority of victims, some barely making it to the doorstep of the hospital.”
Dr. Ehanire added that our response in tracing, testing and case management is driven by data and evidence and we adjust our protocols for Quarantine and treatment accordingly. He therefore, urged the general public to adhere to all advisories and guidelines which include regular hand washing or use of alcoholic based hand sanitizers, maintenance of physical distancing and use of face mask at all times in public.
By Blessing Egbo
Signed.
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Information, Media & Public Relations,
FMoH.
16th June, 2020.
The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has disclosed that efforts are in top gear to increase the number of laboratories with priority given to States which do not presently have a laboratory with PCR capability. He mentioned Cross River and Kogi States in particular.
Dr. Ehanire made this known at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Press Briefing on Monday, 15 June, 2020. He said that a collaborative effort is being made with States to strengthen their response according to needs; consequently, a collaborative team comprising of representatives of all relevant Departments to be led by the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib will be sent to Cross River State in the coming days to provide technical support and complement the work of the State Government.
The Minister further informed that 403 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed on June 14, 2020, which increased the total number to 16,085, with 5,220 persons treated and discharged while 420 persons were lost to the disease. “Despite the rising figures, the case fatality rate remains at about 3%, which is lower than many countries, but not a cause for relief. The increasing pace of testing will yield more cases, but we need to also be proactive in keeping fatalities low”.
Speaking, he said “It is still strongly advised that those who test positive present themselves at a treatment center; this is most especially so for those with underlying ailments like diabetes, hypertension or are above 60 years of age as experience shows that COVID-19 symptoms can start mildly with slight fever, cough, loss of sense of smell or taste, but suddenly escalate to shortness of breath in no time. Lagos State reports that people who delay going to hospital and treating themselves first at home are the majority of victims, some barely making it to the doorstep of the hospital.”
Dr. Ehanire added that our response in tracing, testing and case management is driven by data and evidence and we adjust our protocols for Quarantine and treatment accordingly. He therefore, urged the general public to adhere to all advisories and guidelines which include regular hand washing or use of alcoholic based hand sanitizers, maintenance of physical distancing and use of face mask at all times in public.
By Blessing Egbo
Signed.
Olujimi Oyetomi, Director, Information, Media & Public Relations,
FMoH.
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