The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory on its website to members of the public to prevent further spread of the Covid-19 pandemic during the Eid el-Kabir celebration.
Its director-general, Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, issued the guidelines in view of the recent increase in Covid-19 cases in the country and globally.
“In addition to the Covid-19 situation in Nigeria and globally, the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations against a backdrop of suboptimal Covid-19 vaccination uptake and increasing Covid-19 case numbers calls for increased individual and collective responsibility.
“The virus that causes Covid-19 is more likely to spread in mass gatherings and when people do not adhere to preventive measures such as physical distancing, mask use, and hand hygiene,” he said.
Available data from the NCDC website showed that there was a 390.4 per cent increase in testing, which has led to an increase in the report of positive cases.
It stated that “in weeks 23 and 24, the number of samples tested increased to 75,277 from 15,347 reported in weeks 21 and 22. These were reported in the 36 states and FCT.”
The report further said, “In weeks 23 and 24, the number of confirmed cases in absolute numbers increased to 445 from 267 in weeks 21 and 22(May 23 to June 5).
“In weeks 23 and 24, discharged cases increased to 185 from 47 in weeks 21 and 22.
He urged Nigerians to celebrate, to prevent the onset of a full-fledged fifth Covid-19 wave by remaining mindful of the high risk of spread of Covid-19 and acting in tandem by adhering to recommended public health safety measures.
“Maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5m from others, even if they do not appear to be sick. Avoid crowding (indoors and outdoors) and close contact. Wear a properly fitted face mask when in crowded open and closed places, especially in poorly ventilated settings.
“Wash hands frequently with soap under running water or clean your hands frequently with alcohol-based sanitisers. Cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.”
