3rd Case of Coronavirus and flight Passengers
The third Nigerian Coronavirus case has been confirmed in Lagos State, with the victim being a 30-year-old Nigerian lady who returned from the United Kingdom on March 14.
According to a tweet by the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the victim is currently at the Mainland General Hospital receiving treatment.
The Ministry of Health also said this third case is independent of the index case recorded on an Italian man.
The third victim was on Flight BA 75 to Nigeria from The United Kingdom, and the persons on that flight have been advised to self-quarantine for fourteen days.
They have been advised to also look out for symptoms like fever, difficulties in breathing, among many others.
Let us ask where the passengers are right now? Where have they been to since coming into Nigeria? Who have they met since Friday, March 13, 2020, that they got into Nigeria?
Did these passengers get screened at the airport when their flight landed in Nigeria?
Globally, 150 countries have recorded a total of 167,515 cases, with about 13,903.
The number of a confirmed case of coronavirus in the Uk is now 1,543, with 152 new cases and 55 deaths. With this data, was it wise to have any flight from that part of the world land in Nigeria without thorough screening?
While African countries like Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, among many others, have imposed travel bans on countries that have recorded coronavirus cases, Nigeria has decided to only screen visitors entering the country from China, Japan, Iran, Italy, Germany, France, South Korea, and Spain.
The Nigerian government says it is not yet time to impose a travel ban. The economy has been reported to be considered taking this decision.
Other countries have also banned public gathering of more than fifty, and in some other countries of not more them ten, such has not been considered in Nigeria yet.
Countries with a high record of coronavirus spread have closed schools, canceled events, especially sporting events, with their streets deserted, but Nigeria is still bubbling with life.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health has, however, advised the state residents to call its hotlines in case of suspected cases.
Call the Lagos State Ministry of Health hotlines on: 08000corona,
08023169485,
08033565529,
08052817243, 08028971864, 08059758886,
08035387653
Nigeria is the most populated black African country and has been found out not to have what it takes to handle the spread of coronavirus; the time to act it is now.