Following the increase in the number of recorded cases of coronavirus in Nigeria, the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said any malaria-like symptoms should henceforth be considered as COVID-19 virus infection ”unless and until proven not to be one”.
He, therefore, advised that anyone with such symptoms should proceed to any of the state’s public health facilities or laboratories to get tested for free.
He noted that “seeking help early and quickly significantly improves the chances of survival for severe to critical cases”.
The governor made this known while briefing newsmen at the State House, Ikeja on COVID-19 where he said such symptoms should be considered COVID-19 virus viruses unless proven otherwise.
“In this second wave of the current pandemic, any malaria-like symptoms should be considered as COVID-19 virus infection unless and until otherwise proven. Any affected individual with COVID-like symptoms should proceed to any of our public health facilities and/or laboratories to get tested for free,” he said.
The governor also said it was important that people did not defame or segregate against anyone affected by the virus, as it is not a death sentence.
“Seeking help early and quickly significantly improves the chances of survival for severe to critical cases. Wear a mask everywhere and ensure that you wash your re-usable mask regularly and also properly dispose of used disposable masks,” he said.
“Over the last 12 months, about 3,776 COVID-19-related patients have been admitted into our various care centres, with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.67 percent (277 cases).
“So far, 263,358 tests have been conducted between our public and private laboratories, with 41,374 diagnosed as positive. This has allowed us the opportunity to target our interventions with precision and ensure the efficient use and mobilisation of resources,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu also disclosed that the increase in the positivity of cases has necessitated the provision of greater amounts of concentrated oxygen for the moderate to severe cases on admission in isolation centres.
The governor stated that over the last few weeks, the demand for oxygen has risen from 70 6-litre cylinder per day to 350 6-litre cylinders in Yaba Mainland Hospital.
“This is projected to more than double to 750 6-litre cylinders, before the end of January 2021. In addition to providing oxygen at our isolation centres, the Lagos State Government has decentralised the availability of oxygen across the state through the provision of 10 oxygen and sampling kiosks.
“Oxygen therapy and other related services will be provided to patients that required them. Five of these 10 centres have been commissioned while the remaining five will be ready for use within the next four weeks,” he said.
