Nigeria records first COVID-19 death as confirmed cases rise to 36

The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) on Monday , confirmed first Coronavirus (COVID-19) death as confirmed cases rise to 36 in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja.

“We have recorded 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, of this confirmed cases, 25 are in Lagos, six are in FCT, two in Ogun state, one in Edo and one in Ekiti and one in Oyo.

“Of the 36 cases, 26 had travel history to affected countries in the last two weeks, six are contacts of confirmed cases and four no recent travel history or known contact.

“Sadly, we have recorded first death from COVID-19 in the country.

“ This was a Nigerian who had underlying illnesses and died due to complications on the 22nd of March, 2020 in Abuja, he had recently returned from UK,’’ he said.

The minister said in summary as at 23rd of March, 2020; 36 confirmed cases had been confirmed in Nigeria; two had been discharged, one death recorded.

“Of 33 active cases, 32 are critically stable with mild symptoms and one patient is oxygen-dependent.’’

He, however, said that Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) was working closely with the affected states in the country to carry out intensive contact tracing to detect.

“I urge health facility to be on high alert from the state, local government and law enforcement authority and community leaders and private hospitals.

“They should work with NCDC on any close contact with someone who has been out of the country.’’

The minister said following the declaration of COVID-19 as pandemic by the World Health Organisation and the increase spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force-19 had placed restriction on international flights.

“Restriction has been placed on the all international flight from today 23rd of March, 2020 with the exception of emergency and essential flight.

“More measures may be instituted by the Federal and State government as the situation may arise.

“This is a call to Nigerians to take responsibility in preventing and spreading COVID-19

“I urge all citizens, all businesses and media houses and all committed Nigerians to take ownership of this campaign by developing communication messages around the criteria,’’ he said,

Ehanire emphasised on self –isolation for minimum of 14 days for the travellers coming in to the country, even when them feel you very well.

He also advised Nigerians to practice social distancing as it reduces the risk of someone who may not know he/she is infected from infecting others.