By: Andy
Oduntan
NIGERIA’S
MINISTER OF HEALTH,
Osagie Ehanire, has admitted that except they act fast, the spread of COVID-19
could be similar to outbreaks in Italy and China.
Ehanire, briefing reporters in Abuja Monday
disclosed that 179 persons had contact with the Italian, who brought the first
case of coronavirus to Nigeria.
The Minister noted that only one contact
with the index patient tested positive.
“In less than 48 hours, the Italian who
came to Nigeria (index case) was identified. The contacts we found for him were
179. They were all traced and monitored. Out of the 179, one was positive and
put in isolation with the Italian. Both were cured and discharged.
“If other cases had not come to Nigeria
that would have been the end of COVID-19 in Nigeria. But other cases came in
that were not part of the first one. That is why we are saying that you do not
compare what we have now with what we have in China or Italy. If we do not act
fast, we could be heading in something dangerous like that (in China and
Italy). They now transmit among themselves.
“We have to get those who have been
infected now. If we don’t, it may be a serious burden in the system. I am sure
some are hiding, they will not report for whatever reason. Nobody will be
arrested or asked to pay anything. Those who are returning now are Nigerians.
With the closure of our airports, we will reduce inflow of new cases and deal
with the ones we already have,” Ehanire explained.
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