Nigeria

NCDC to Nigerians: We’ll see an increase in COVID-19 cases

Friday, June 12, 2020 at 9:57 AM by Nkem Ikeke

- Nigeria may likely continue to see an increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases

- According to the NCDC boss, Chikwe Ihekweazu, this is because restrictions have been eased and the testing capacity has been increased

- Ihekweazu listed stigmatization as one of the major challenges in contact tracing

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The director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has alerted Nigerians on the possibility of recording more COVID-19 cases.

In his remark at the Presidential Task Force for COVID-19 press briefing on Thursday, June 11, Ihekweazu said Nigerians need to be prepared for more confirmed cases.

He highlighted two critical aspects of the response to the coronavirus in Nigeria which are, the recent increase in cases and contact tracing.

On the increase in cases, the NCDC boss said: “As we’ve eased the restrictions and continue to increase testing capacity, it’s likely we’ll see an increase in #COVID19 cases in Nigeria. Whether that increase continues or not will depend on our collective action.”

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Speaking on the issue of contact tracing, Ihekweazu said this has been a key strategy in response to infectious disease outbreaks in Nigeria.

NCDC to Nigerians: Prepare for more COVID-19 cases — Chikwe Ihekweazu highlighted two critical aspects of the response to COVID-19 in Nigeria. Photo Credit: NCDC Facebook
Source: UGC

According to him, contact tracing is currently receiving global attention.

In response to #COVID19, state public health officers have played a critical role in contact tracing.

“A major challenge in contact tracing in response to #COVID19Nigeria is stigmatisation, and is difficult in states with high number of cases," he said.

Ihekweazu called on all Nigerians to take responsibility while urging the state governments to find ways to engage the public, especially through religious and traditional leaders.

Meanwhile, following the phase II relaxation of lockdown which accommodated a nationwide ban lift on religious gathering, the federal government has issued a list of fresh guidelines.

The Federal Ministry of Health, in a tweet on Thursday, June 11, reeled out guidelines for the phase 2 relaxation, saying security operatives will be authorised to enforce the new rules where necessary.