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    Hospitals getting overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases — NCDC DG

    The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu has stated that hospitals across the country will soon not be able to handle serious cases of Coronavirus as Nigeria is reaching a critical level. 

    In a series of tweets he shared on Monday January 11, Ihekweazu stated there is need to protect vulnerable citizens by taking responsibility. 

    He tweeted; 

    We have now reported over 100,000 confirmed #COVID19 cases in Nigeria This is a stark reminder of the reality we live in now – a virus that has affected over 100,000 lives and led to over 1,300 deaths within 11 months in Nigeria…with millions more globally

    In the last 4 weeks, we‘ve recorded a spike in the number of new #COVID19 cases The virus is spreading fast, causing mild symptoms in some & severe illness/death in others. Many people continue to experience fatigue & other symptoms even after recovery We can not be too careful

    The silent face of #COVID19 You can’t tell whether someone has the virus or not (so take protective measures at all times) Health care workers need to now maintain a HIGHER index of suspicion for #COVID19 To the public, if unwell rule out COVID-19 before treating for malaria

    We all have to #TakeResponsibility – this is not for NCDC, PTF or Govt alone By organising large gatherings indoors, you’re not only putting yourself & guests at risk, but the staff who have limited choice but to serve By going to clubs, you’re putting your parents at risk

    Personal responsibility We are reaching a critical level where our hospital capacity will no longer be able to cope with more serious COVID-19 cases & health workers will be forced to make tough decisions We need to protect our more vulnerable citizens

    #COVID19 fatigue  While we may all be tired & fed up,the virus is taking advantage of our fatigue & gaining momentum. By adhering to health measures, masks, handwashing, distancing, we can prevent its spread Stay at home, avoid large gatherings & poorly ventilated indoor spaces

    MOST IMPORTANT of all, the 100,000 cases and over 1,000 deaths are not just numbers These are fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, children, friends whose deaths will be mourned & the pain of their loss deeply felt. The response starts and ends with the people of this country

    We @NCDCgov are committed to going over & beyond, working with other government & private organisations in response to this pandemic Testing remains free in public health labs, sample collection centres are being scaled up by State Govts & other measures

    By Kingsley U.