COVID-19 Second Wave: Health Facilities Overwhelmed, May Collapse – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says health facilities and medical centres in the country are overstretched and may buckle under the sheer  surge in COVID-19 cases.

Ekohotblog reports Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of the NCDC, disclosed this on Monday at a briefing.

Ihekweazu, who said the COVID-19 situation in the country is now at frightening and alarming rate, noted that hospitals will no longer be able to withstand the upsurge in serious cases.

He said the growing indifference of Nigerians towards the pandemic has further spurred the spread of the infection as the virus has now capitalised on their tiredness in dealing with it to wreak more havoc.

“The virus is spreading fast, causing mild symptoms in some & severe illness/death in others. Many people continue to experience fatigue & other symptoms even after recovery. We can not be too careful” He said

He said Nigerians have to be responsible and take protective measures at all times because there was no way they could differentiate between some who was positive and someone who wasn’t

He implored health care workers to now maintain a HIGHER index of suspicion for COVID19.

“By organising large gatherings indoors, you’re not only putting yourself & guests at risk but the staff who have limited choice but to serve. By going to clubs, you’re putting your parents at risk

“To the public, if unwell, rule out COVID-19 before treating for malaria.

“We are reaching a critical level where our hospital capacity will no longer be able to cope with more serious COVID-19 cases & health workers will be forced to make tough decisions.

“While we may all be tired & fed up, the virus is taking advantage of our fatigue & gaining momentum. By adhering to health measures, masks, handwashing, distancing, we can prevent its spread. Stay at home, avoid large gatherings & poorly ventilated indoor spaces.”

Read Also: NCDC Raises Alarm Over Spike Of COVID-19 Cases

”The response starts and ends with the people of this country,” he said.

Ihekweazu also disclosed that testing remains free in public health labs, adding that samples collection centres are being fortified by state governments & other measures.