Lagos State government has announced the first case of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) in the state.
The announcement was made on Friday by the state’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who said the confirmation was made on Thursday.
He however stated that the State Emergency Operations Centre in response to the case and implementing firm control measures has been activated.
The commissioner explained that the affected person was an Italian citizen who entered Nigeria on Februray 25 from Milan.
The Italian was said to have arrived Nigeria for a brief business visit but became ill on Wednesday.
He said the Italian was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing where the case was confirmed.
Said the commissioner: “COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.
“The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.”
The commissioner gave assurance that the government would do its best ensure the safety of the people.
His words: “We will use all the resources made available by the State and the Federal Governments to respond to this case.
“We are working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he arrived in Nigeria.
“Please, be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only a mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses.
“All Lagosians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families.”
He advised the people of the state to wash their hands with soap and water regularly and use sanitsers.
The commissioner advised further: “Maintain at least one and a half metres (five feet) distance between you and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
“People coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd.
“Ensure that you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene by covering mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing.
“You can also sneeze or cough into your sleeve at the bent elbow, then dispose of the used tissue immediately.”
