COVID-19: Health minister cautions against misinformation

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has advised Nigerians against spreading misinformation about the coronavirus (COVID-19) to avoid causing fear and panic in the country.

Ehanire gave the advice at a press conference at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) on Monday in Benin.

“I strongly advise against spreading misinformation to cause fear and panic. The Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) will continue to provide prompt and reliable updates and initiate all measures required to protect our people.

“A globally emerging lesson here is that some people who contracted COVID-19 appear to experience zero symptoms or only mild illness and will recover.

“However, other patients develop more severe symptoms, especially if they have other underlying illnesses or are weakened by old age. I urge Nigerians to take care of their health seriously,” he said.

READ ALSO: Family planning can be solution to VVF – experts

Ehanire advised Nigerians to prevent the disease by regularly and thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, by using an alcoholic base sanitizer and maintaining distances from sick persons.

He said that Nigerians should ensure good respiratory hygiene by covering their mouths and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.

It would be recalled that on March 8, the Federal Ministry of Health confirmed one new case of the coronavirus in Ogun state.