Ladies and gentlemen,
The world woke up to witness a devastating plague ravaging mother Earth and mankind. The Federal Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria through a statement issued in the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2020. According to the statement,” the case involves an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th of February 2020.” Since this news broke out, several cases have been recorded and one death recorded. As at the time of the release of this statement, 46 cases have been identified.
This is a sobering moment for Nigeria as a country and its citizens. Unfortunately, the government appeared ill-prepared to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. The government failed to close especially the Air borders and the international airports early enough. There were improper screenings at airports and other transport facilities including public buildings. Also, some people who returned recently from abroad failed to self-isolate themselves thereby aggravating the already grave situation.
Centre for Transparency Advocacy sympathizes with families who have lost love ones and those who have contracted the disease and wish them quick recovery.
In view of this precarious health situation in Nigeria and the World over, CTA management working responsibly and working with the government to reduce the spread of the pandemic is activating the social distancing strategy for her staff and partner. This was activated on Tuesday, March 24 and will last for two weeks in the first instance. Consequently, all CTA staff and partners are to stay at home and work virtually from home for the next two weeks.
CTA advises further as follows;
- All travels involving CTA staff are hereby suspended
- All public engagements and meetings involving CTA are suspended
- All CTA staff are to work from home until further notice
- Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Maintain at least 1 & half meters (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in-crowd.
- Practice social distancing
- Minimize public meetings
- Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing.
- Practice self-isolation
- “ If you’ve traveled recently to a country with the widespread transmission in the last 14 days and you’re showing symptoms of Fever, cough or breathing difficulty, please stay at home and dial the NCDC toll-free number: 080097000010
CTA calls on government at all levels and citizens to be vigilant and collectively, we shall fight this scourge. Equally, we at CTA commend and support the health workers who are risking their lives to make the rest of the citizenry safe and healthy.
Thank you.
Faith Nwadishi
Executive Director, CTA