COVID-19: poor adherence to safety guidelines threatens third wave – NCDC

On May 19, 2021

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said poor adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines is threatening efforts to avert the third wave of COVID-19 infections in the country.

Dr Chikwe Iheakweazu, NCDC Director-General said, the government is continuously strengthening the country’s response capacity, Nigerians were not adhering as expected to the required measures in place to prevent a surge in new cases.

He mentioned that as the Indian variant is spreading, there is poor adherence to public health and social measures across the country.

“People are not wearing their face masks or practising physical distancing,” Ihekweazu said.

“We know from the experience in other countries that a large outbreak can quickly cripple the public health system.

“So, we appeal to all Nigerians to take collective responsibility in preventing a surge in cases in our country. Please wash your hands regularly, wear a face mask properly in public settings and practice physical,” he added.

Ihekweazu said that State Ministries of Health and other relevant government agencies noted that states are working very hard with support from the relevant Departments and Agencies, in implementing the measures that are in place to reduce the risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

“In order to prevent the use of fake COVID-19 results, we introduced a result verification platform for travellers together with Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.

“With this platform, it is easier to detect fake COVID-19 PCR test results.

“The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has mandated that individuals who present with fake results are prosecuted according to the law.

“We appeal to all travellers to adhere to the Nigerian travel protocol including self-isolation and post-arrival PCR tests. These measures are in place to protect you, your family and loved ones,” Ihekweazu said.

He disclosed that the state have been supporting the roll-out of approved Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in hospitals. These are not as accurate as the PCR test, but provide a rapid means of detecting cases especially in large groups.

“We appeal to schools especially those with accommodation facilities, hospitals and workplaces to adopt the regular use of Ag-RDTs to ensure testing continues,” he added.

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