COVID-19: ‘Prepare for the worst’ – FG tells Nigerians

The Federal Government has told Nigerians to prepare for the worst in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

It however said it was doing everything within its powers to curtail spread of the virus, which has affected 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, stated this on Tuesday during the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, where he urged health workers and Nigerians to be alert about the virus.

Enihare said: “It is of great importance that we – members of the health sector and citizens, endeavour to use this period to dedicate efforts to strive for the best, but also prepare for the worst.

“As we learn more about coronavirus every day, we must be ready to adjust our strategy, based on knowledge and evidence.

“To continue strengthening response in states, the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) are assessing isolation centers all over the country, recently in Yenagoa and Oshogbo.

“We also continue providing diagnostic commodities and facilities in collaboration with partners.”

Also speaking, Director-General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said: “We are not doing community testing everywhere. In certain states like Lagos, Kano, and even in the FCT, we are taking the test a lot closer to the community because of the intensity of transmission in those states.

“In those states, the states are identifying hotspot areas and based on these identifications, intensifying testing in those communities.

“We haven’t gotten to the stage of drawing community testing across the country. We are doing targeted hotspot areas identified by states.”