More isolation centres, bed spaces needed, says govt

Moses Emorinken, Abuja

BUILD more isolation centres and create bed spaces, the Federal Government on Wednesday appealed to states. There is the pressing need for such facilities in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).

Health Minister Dr. Osagie Ehanire dropped the hint during the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Control in Abuja.

Ehanire said: “There is a pressing urgency and need to provide and prepare isolation centers and more bed spaces in all states of the federation. I wish to appeal each state authority and the FCT to give first line attention to this requirement, in order to meet expectations and obligations.

“As testing ramps up, the need will become more and more obvious. It should therefore be prioritized, so that we are not taken by surprise.”

The minister urged federal and state lawmakers to get involved in surveillance and notification efforts in their constituencies and also to support the drive to increase bed spaces for isolation and treatment in their states.

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To patients, Ehanire said: “I shall also strongly urge those who test positive for COVID-19 to cooperate with the directives of authorities, on isolation, so as not to constitute a risk and a cause for public concern.

“We have completed plans to start training and capacity building of much needed intensive care workforce for various parts of the country.

“I am pleased to report a very fruitful interaction of the Federal Ministry of Health delegation to Kano yesterday. They were well received by His Excellency the Governor and have been able to conduct an appraisal of the situation and start working on outlines of providing technical support to the State COVID-19 task force in several aspects, as well as planning capacity building for the frontline health workers.

“They also met with many influential community leaders, who all expressed willingness to support the effort of the government. A full report will follow.”

He urged healthcare workers to continue to render services to the Nigerian people while adhering to the laid down standard infection prevention and control measures.