COVID-19: Governors declare surveillance across states to locate infected persons

The thirty-six governors under the auspices of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have declared that all states should employ surveillance and emergency response to locate those infected by the dreaded coronavirus.

Specifically, the NGF sympathised with the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case reported in Lagos State, on 27th of February, 2020 and said it was committed to preventing the spread of the disease.

This was contained in a statement issued by chairman of the forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi, issued in Abuja on Saturday.

It said since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) had been 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.”

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“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,” Fayemi said.