Insisting that it would ensure the use of improvised face coverings like handkerchiefs or scarves on the mouth and nose, it said the decision followed available evidences of community transmission presently in the country.
It also recommended the suspension of close contacts between grandchildren and grandparents for as long at the pandemic lasted.
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who disclosed this at the daily media briefing of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, cautioned that any private practitioners engaging in unauthorised treatment of COVID-19 run the risk of being shut down for decontamination.
Ehanire, who insisted that private facilities must obtain accreditation to treat highly infectious diseases said, “I want to again strongly advise health professionals against private or secret management of COVID-19 cases outside accredited health facilities. We cannot afford avoidable morbidity and mortality.”
The minister, who expressed sadness over the death of a medical doctor involved in the treatment of a COVID-19 patient, said the development highlights the risk of the response to health workers, adding that patients with mild symptoms were still highly infectious and mild symptoms in one person could be deadly infectious in another.
He appealed to health workers to adhere to all government instructions and regulations, always use personal protective equipment (PPE), maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 and protect themselves, their loved ones and colleagues.
(Guardian)
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