Coronavirus: LASG Acknowledges WHO’s Commendation

The Lagos State Government has acknowledged the commendation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on steps taken by the Nigerian government to contain the spread of Coronavirus, COVID 19, in the country.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, said the recognition of Nigeria’s efforts by the Director-General of the United Nations Health Agency, Dr. Tedros Ghebereyesus, is a testimony.

Dr. Ghebereyesus hailed Nigeria’s handling of the epidemic, saying, “This a true act of solidarity and an important step in stopping the Coronavirus from spreading further”.

READ Also: Armed Robber Kills HND II Student Of Polytechnic Ibadan

The Commissioner reiterated that “When news of the Coronavirus broke, the State Government set up an Incident Command Centre headed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu as the Incident Commander and Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi as the Deputy Incident Commander”.

He added that no fewer than 60 health officials were stationed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport to check that visitors did not bring in the virus.

Omotoso recalled that Lagos State also embarked on the training of medical personnel to become experts in laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases before the facility was completed.

The Commissioner maintained that the advocacy campaigns initiated by the State government also assisted in arousing the consciousness of residents to the symptoms, dangers and preventive measures required to avoid the risk of contracting the disease.

He, however, cautioned residents to remain vigilant, despite the accolades of the World Health Organisation on the feat achieved in Nigeria since the identification of the index case in Ogun State.

Commending the medical team that has been attending to quarantined persons since the discovery of the index case, Omotoso admired their professionalism and urged them not to rest on their oars until every patient being tested has been confirmed free of the virus.

The Commissioner urged members of the public to report any suspected cases of Coronavirus to the nearest health facilities or through the telephone numbers 08023169485, 08033565529, 08052817243 and 08023401214.