Funke Busari, Lagos
On Lagos Mainland, a student and four contacts of the staff member of a secondary boarding school have tested positive for COVID-19.
A statement signed by Prof. Akin Abayomi Honourable Commissioner for Health confirmed the detail thus, “A member of the school’s staff was confirmed positive for COVID-19 on the 2nd of November. Contact tracing has revealed that a student and four contacts of the staff member are positive for COVID-19.
The Commissioner for Health giving detail of the situation, “the staff member fell ill for a few days and received first aid at the school clinic.
“She subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday 2nd of November at the Lagos State Biobank.
Prof, Abayomi assured Lagosians that the State government through the Lagos State COVID-19 Incident Command System through the Emergency Operation Center is investigating the incident, and we would like to assure members of the public and stakeholders of the school that the situation is completely under control.
According to him, “Steps are being taken to contain the spread within the school and reduce exposure to the outside community.
“All parents are being contacted first through the PTA and a family zoom call is being arranged to further allay their fears.
He noted that COVID-19 presents with very mild symptoms in children and teenagers, compared to other age groups, he however stressed that there is the risk of infected children transmitting the disease to adults who they interact with daily, and who may be at higher risk of severe disease and death.
He added, “The school authorities, supported by Lagos State Ministry of Health (LSMOH), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Ministry of Education, are following the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by the government.
Hence, he stated that students who test positive are to be isolated in the school premises and, if unwell will be admitted in one of the accredited isolation centers in Lagos because they are discouraged from going home to avoid infecting members of their families.
He assured all and sundry that the Ministry of Health and NCDC are working closeiy with the Ministry of Education through a joint approach to manage the outbreak in this school.
Stating further, “Most of the infected persons are predominantly asymptomatic white some have mild symptoms.
“Members of the Emergency Operation Center Lagos, NCDC and our counterparts in the Ministry of Education have been deployed in the school to provide strategic interventions and support. These include psychosocial support, infection prevention control. Medical monitoring and risk communication experts to further enlighten affected people.
“COVlD-19 is still very much with us and we must strive to prioritize the safety of all, including students and teachers, by adhering strictly to prevention protocols and guidelines issued by the government to prevent its spread.
Abayomi said Lagosians should observe and practice highest standards of personal and environmental hygiene. Using face masks in public places. hand washing and hands hygiene practice, and maintaining physical distancing will help prevent the spread of the infection.
He urged Lagosians to call the 08000EKOMED or 08000356633 toll free line if they notice any sign or symptoms of COVlD-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or loss of taste or smell.
