COVID-19: One Year After, NCDC Urges Solidarity, Adherence To Health, Social Measures

TOmark one year since the first COVID- 19 case was reported in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC) has stressed the need for continued solidarity and adherence to public health and social measures in the country.

The first case of the novel coronavirus disease ( COVID19) was detected on February 27, 2020 and it became the first reported case in SubSaharan Africa.

With over 150,000 cases reported since then, Nigeria’s response has been led by science and driven by the power of coordination, collaboration and solidarity across federal and state governments, partners, private sector and citizens.

Speaking on response to the pandemic in the last one year, NCDC Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said prior to the confirmation of the first case in the country, the centre with support from its partners began preparedness activities.

In a release signed by Head of Communications, Omobolaji Oduwole, Ihekweazu said: “In 2020, the country united in solidarity against the virus. The impact of this has been obvious from small personal gestures such as sharing foodstuff, to collaboration on research and innovation – to regional and pan- African collaboration. Despite the best efforts of government, it will take time to vaccinate everyone against COVID- 19. We must keep adhering to the public health and social measures that keep each and all of us safe.

“This means physical distancing, wearing face masks, practicing hand and respiratory hygiene and avoiding crowded indoor places.”