Dr.-Osagie-Ehanire
Top Story

COVID-19 :FG plans to use schools,hostels as patients isolation centres

406

 

Faced with dearth of facilities for COVID-19 patients, the Federal Government says it will resort to the use of hotels and schools as  isolating centres.

It said currently COVID-19 patients have occupied virtually  all the hospitals across the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, gave the indication on Thursday in Abuja at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

According to him, there have been complaints of inadequate bed spaces especially in Lagos which has about 4,012 patients, the highest in the country just as he confirmed a total of 8,733 COVID-19 patients across the nation.

“We are, not surprisingly, worried about the increasing number of covid-19 confirmed cases; first because every life matters, but also because of the capacity of our health system to cope.

“Nigeria presently has over 112 treatment and isolation centres in the 35 states and FCT with over 5,000 beds, but not all States have made it up to at least 300 beds prescribed for isolation and treatment.

“I had the privilege of commissioning one such center yesterday, a re-purposed hospital in Benin City, Edo State, with 300 beds, including ICU and an Edo State owned PCR testing laboratory. We need to continue increasing bed capacity to match the probable number of patients, so that we do not experience horrific scenes of bed space shortages seen in some European hospitals.

“In event of overflow, we can require hotels and school dormitories to be prepared for level 1 (Quarantine) and level 2 Isolation (of COVID-19 positive with zero or mild symptoms), to free hospital beds to be dedicated to level 3, (moderate to severe cases) and level 4, (high dependency and Intensive care unit).

“I therefore call on activists and philanthropists to work with State governments in concerted steps to scale up non-pharmaceutical measures and beef up infrastructural assets for isolation and treatment in their states.

“Though we are in the community transmission phase of response, easing social restrictions is desirable, but only if we can meet up with expectations that will not allow a spike in infection rates. This is what has led certain countries to reintroduce lockdowns. We are reviewing health sector specific advisories on re-opening the economy.

“In event of overflow, we can require hotels and school dormitories to be prepared for level 1 (Quarantine) and level 2 Isolation (of COVID-19 positive with zero or mild symptoms), to free hospital beds to be dedicated to level 3, (moderate to severe cases) and level 4, (high dependency and Intensive care unit),” he said.

Ehanire also stressed the importance of using masks outside the  homes and observe social distancing.

On mortality rate, he said: “It is too early for us to generalise about mortality rates. But people with preexisting conditions are more vulnerable and need to better protect themselves.

“We shall continue to engage our traditional, business, religious, and community leaders.’’

Meanwhile, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has said there are currently no valid rapid test kits for COVID-19.

It said some of the rapid test kits are only right 50 percent of the time.

The NCDC DG, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, who said this, however, assured that the centre was working very hard to increase the country’s Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) capacity for tests across the country.

Ihekweazu also advised that as organizations and businesses reopen they focus should be on prevention not testing their staff.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, disclosed that his ministry had produced about 25 radio and TV jingles to create awareness on COVID-19.

PTF National Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu, said the federal government would continue to provide an enabling environment to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Leave a comment

Related Articles

NDLEA, NAPTIP Inaugurate Taskforce to Combat Drug, Human Trafficking

In a strategic move to combat the intertwined threats of human trafficking,...

Climate Change Exacerbates Nigeria’s Food Security Issues, Agric Minister Warns

Nigeria’s food security challenges, exacerbated by climate change, require adaptive solutions, Agriculture...

Freedom at Last: Jude Okoye Released After Two Months in EFCC Custody

It’s a moment of relief and celebration for Nigerian singer Paul Okoye,...

Rivers New Administrator Makes First Appearance at NEC Meeting

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, made...

NDLEA, NYSC Eye Closer Anti-Drug Collaboration

To tackle substance abuse effectively, the Chairman/CEO of the National Drug Law...

Breaking: PDP’s Delta Gov. Oborevwori, Okowa, Others Defect to APC

Amid speculation and denials, Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, the immediate...

Pres. Tinubu returns to Abuja after two-week working visit to France, UK

President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening returned to Abuja after a two-week...

President Tinubu Mourns Pope Francis, Hails Late Pontiff as ‘Voice of Justice for the World’s Forgotten’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of...

Breaking: Pope Francis, 88, exits

The Vatican has confirmed the passing of Pope Francis, the 266th Pope...

NIPR Spokesperson of the Year 2025: GOCOP Congratulates NNPCL’s Femi Soneye on Prestigious Award

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has extended its heartfelt congratulations...

Update: Lagos Building Collapse Claims 5 Lives, 13 Survive

The devastating multi-storey building collapse which occurred on Saturday morning at Oremeta...

Ojodu-Berger Building Update: Rescue Teams Pull Out Five Survivors

Five people have so far been rescued from the rubble of the...

Breaking: Lagos Building Collapse: Many Feared Trapped as Multi-Storey Building Crumbles

A four-storey building on Saturday morning collapsed in Lagos with occupants trapped,...

NDLEA Raid in Abuja Turns Violent, Three Operatives Sustain Gunshot Injuries

Three National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officers were hospitalized on Thursday...

Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Embody Easter Values, Military to End Insecurity

President Bola Tinubu has sent a heartfelt message to Christians across the...

NNPCL’s New GCEO, Ojulari, Unveils Visionary Plans for Energy Transformation, Growth

Mr. Bashir Ojulari, the newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of the...

NIPR Spokesperson of the Year 2025: NNPCL’s Olufemi Soneye A Shining Star in Public Relations

In a resounding testament to his exceptional communication skills and dedication to...

Attack in Kebbi: Terrorists Kill 3 Customs Officers, Torch Patrol Vehicle

Terrorists have launched a deadly attack in Kebbi State, killing at least...

Pres. Tinubu Inaugurates National Census Committee, Gives Three-Week Deadline for Report

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated a high-level committee on the forthcoming national...

Strategic Partnerships Key to Achieving Presidential Mandate, Says NNPCL GCEO

Joycelyn Ellakeche Adah The newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC...