PRESS STATEMENT
This is a passionate plea to members of the public whose collective strength and stakeholder passion is required, as we all work together in a cooperative and collaborative manner with the global community to confront the COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic is a call to action that all of humanity must heed as millions are at risk. The States of Western Nigeria are working with the relevant federal and international agencies, and have put in place measures and controls to stem the tide of infections while at the same time imploring the general public to adhere strictly to the guidelines.
DAWN Commission reiterates that:
- All returning travelers from high risk countries with ongoing community transmission and anyone who has been in close contact with a conformed case of COVID-19 should self-isolate
- Self-isolation means STRICTLY staying at home or identified accommodation, away from situations where you mix with family members or general public for the period of 14 DAYS. This means any situation where you may have come in close contact with others (face to face contact closer than 2 meters i.e. 5 feet).
Please contact the Nigerian Disease Control Center (NCDC) free on 080097000010 for more information
- The ban on high-density gatherings remain. This affects schools, whether they are public or private-owned, as well as all religious activities in the state. This action from the states has becomes necessary to prevent our children and their teachers from getting more vulnerable to the pandemic.
- Members of the public should imbibe the practice of ‘social distancing’. Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
- Members of the public should observe high standards of personal hygiene by washing their hands regularly or using alcohol based hand sanitizers.
- Children should be encouraged to remain at home.
- Members of the public should avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
- Practice respiratory hygiene by making sure you cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
- Fingers should be kept away from your eyes, nose, and mouth.
DAWN Commission appeals for calm and the cooperation of the general public to adhere strictly to the emergency guidelines as the global community unites to fight this pandemic.