The Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) said it has initiated surveillance and emergency response in all states to ensure that quick response and attention is given to anyone showing symptoms of the Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19.
In a statement signed by Governor Kayode Fayemi, the Chairman of NGF, made available to The NEXT EDITION, the governors appealed to the general public to be calm and follow precautionary measures recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies.
The governors also enjoined citizens not to spread fake news and misinformation that could trigger fear, panic and chaos, assuring that the Federal Ministry of Health and other designated federal and state agencies would provide the relevant updates related to the disease.
“The Nigeria Governors’ Forum takes note of the first case of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case reported in Lagos State, on February 27, 2020.
“The case, which is the first reported in Sub-Saharan Africa, is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and journeyed from Milan, Italy, to Lagos, Nigeria through Istanbul, Turkey on February 25, 2020 and is said to have spent some time in Ogun State.
“The patient is said to be clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is currently being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.
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“Since the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was designated as a global epidemic, the state governments have been strengthening emergency response preparedness and capabilities in conjunction with the Federal Government and all other relevant agencies.
“In response to the first case reported, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has already activated its National Emergency Operations Centre and is working closely with Lagos State Ministry of Health to respond to this case and implement firm control measures to prevent further widespread.
“As a forum of proactive governors, we have initiated surveillance and emergency response in all states to ensure that quick response and attention is given to anyone showing symptoms of the disease.
“We encourage the citizens to self-quarantine if they notice symptoms related to the viral disease and contact the nearest health facility within the states. We will deploy all resources available to respond and contain further spread of the virus.
“We hereby appeal to the general public to be calm and follow precautionary measures recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health and other relevant government agencies.
“We also enjoin citizens not to spread fake news and misinformation that can trigger fear, panic and chaos. The Federal Ministry of Health and other designated Federal and State agencies will provide the relevant updates related to the disease,” stated Fayemi.
