Coronavirus: Engage Butchers to Avoid Spread – Minister

As health officials across the globe continue to equip the public with more preventive measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment,Dr Mohammed Mahmood, has called on environmental health officers in states and local governments to engage butchers to ensure they do not handle, slaughter, dress, sell and prepare meat originating from wild animals or sick livestock.

This, he believes was a good measure that if adhered to, would limit the spread of CoronaVirus in the country.

Speaking on the role his ministry was playing in complementing the efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health, Mahmood said he has tasked ministries of the environment at the state level to be proactive and key into the preparedness in their respective states.

Read Also: Buhari Swears in New Head of Civil Service

Among the strategic plans rolled out by the ministry, he explained, included deployment of environmental health officers to coordinate essential strategies in identified high risk areas in Nigeria; public places such as motor parks, train stations, market places, saying schools and similar places will be put under surveillance.

The minister, who said international best practices of instituting what he called Cordon Sanitaire and Social Distancing in the communities were needed, said the ministry will be utilised in order to limit contact of people with those that may be infected with the viral disease.

“That way, the containment of the Corona Virus will not only be multi-sectoral but also easier and more effective,” he said. He appealed to Nigerians to engage in regular hand wash, covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

He also tasked them to thoroughly cook meat and eggs, and avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.