PRESS BRIEFING BY HON. MINISTER OF HEALTH, DR. OSAGIE EHANIRE AT THE PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON COVID-19 PRESS BRIEFING ON MONDAY 15TH JUNE, 2020
PROTOCOL
Yesterday, 403 new covid-19 cases were confirmed, which increased the total number to 16,085. We have treated and discharged 5,220 persons and sadly lost 420 persons to the disease. Despite the rising figures, the case fatality rate remains at about 3%, which is lower than many countries, but not a cause for relief. The increasing pace of testing will yield more cases, but we need to also be proactive in keeping fatalities low. It is still strongly advised that those who test positive present themselves at a treatment center; this is most especially so for those with underlying ailments like diabetes, hypertension or are above 60 years of age.
2. The reason is that COVID-19 symptoms can start mildly with slight fever, cough, loss of sense of smell or taste, but suddenly escalate to shortness of breath in no time. Lagos State reports that people who delay going to hospital and treating themselves first at home are the majority of victims, some barely making it to the doorstep of the hospital.
3. Our response in tracing, testing and case management is driven by data and evidence and we adjust our protocols for Quarantine and treatment accordingly. We are collaborating with states to strengthen their response according to needs. An arrangement has been reached to send collaborative team to Cross River State in the coming days to complement the work of the state government. It will be led by the Executive director of NPHCDA Dr Faisal, to engage in a technical handshake with the State EOC. Representatives from all relevant Departments will be included.
4. Efforts are on to increase the number of laboratories with priority given to states which do not have a laboratory with PCR capability, including Cross River and Kogi States.
5. Yesterday, we commemorated the World Blood Donor Day. The theme for the campaign was “Safe Blood saves Lives”. The slogan is “Give Blood and make the world a healthier place”. I interacted with Nigerians on our social media platforms on the importance of blood as a critical and indispensable healthcare requirement both for treatment and urgent interventions. It plays an essential, life-saving role in maternal and child care, especially bleeding after delivery, severe anaemia, sickle cell disease and in saving the lives of victims of major accidents and emergency situations of natural or industrial disasters.
6. I had the honour of meeting with Mr Akpan Nathan, a voluntary blood donor who has regularly donated blood 63 times. I salute him for his contribution.
7. COVID-19, will be with us for a long time. We shall keep learning as we go along. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has developed a Health Sector Response Plan to cover the next 3 years divided into near, medium and long term. This plan therefore should be able to project into the future for at least three years. No doubt, it will require modification and updating as we learn more about the disease.
8. Please adhere to all advisories and guidelines. Wash your hands regularly or use alcohol based hand sanitizers, maintain physical distancing and use your face mask at all times when outside your home.
9. Thank you for your attention.
