Commissioner for Health Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi
Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi
Reuters reports that the man, who traveled from Milan, Italy, and landed on the evening of Feb. 24, spent the night in a hotel near the airport, and continued to his place of work in neighboring Ogun state, Commissioner Akin Abayomi said.
He was treated on the evening of Feb. 26 at his company’s medical facility before health practitioners there called government biosecurity officers, who transferred him on Feb. 27 to a containment facility in Yaba, Lagos.
The man is the first confirmed case in sub-Saharan Africa.
Abayomi had earlier issued guidelines on what to do to avoid being infected.
“All Lagosians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families,” he said.
Abayomi advised citizens to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
“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,” he said.
Abayomi advised that people that feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing should stay indoor.
Abayomi, however, said the State Emergency Operations Centre in response to the case and implementing firm control measures has been activated.
