FG orders reopening of Covid-19 isolation centres

The Federal Government has ordered the reopening of all isolation centers across the country.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, made this known at a President Task Force briefing on Covid-19 yesterday.

He said the move was in anticipation of a second wave of the pandemic which some European countries are already witnessing.

He urged all Nigerians to work toward curbing the spread of the virus as Nigeria witnessed a spike in the number of infected people some days in the week.

.“We are seeing the increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the last few days, which we have frequently alluded to in recent times. This rightly suggests that we may just be on the verge of a second wave of this pandemic.

“To prepare ourselves, I have directed that all Isolation and Treatment Centres, which were hitherto closed due to reduced patient load, to be prepared for reopening and the staff complement put on alert,” he said.

Ehanire also urged Nigerians not to lower their guards as the battle against the infection has not been totally won.

He said this against the background of the reports that some isolation centers have been closed due to the reduction in the number of patients being admitted into them.

He said until the battle against the pandemic is totally won people should adhere strictly to the  Covid-19 protocols to curb the spread of the virus.

“Until vaccines are available, our best bet is still the appropriate use of face masks, physical distancing, hand sanitizers, and observance of respiratory hygiene, for prevention and control,” he said.

He advised strongly against throwing caution to the wind during the upcoming Yuletide

“We must not forget that Covid will not take a holiday. Please endeavour to protect yourselves and others and still obey the measures at Christmas,” he said.

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