CCECC: Chinese medical team not treating COVID-19 patients in Nigeria

The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) says the Chinese medical team has been carrying out its “assigned mission” in Nigeria.

In a statement on Friday, the construction company said the mandate of the team does not cover treating COVID-19 patients, and the medical experts have not done so in any instance.

The company said the team has assisted in setting up isolation centres and has provided support to CCECC staff on how to guide against COVID-19.

The statement said the medical experts are willing and ready to share their experiences fighting COVID-19 in China with Nigerian health officials.

“After a 14-day quarantine and necessary tests, the medical team has been carrying out its assigned mission,” the company said.

“The medical personnel are in Nigeria at the instance of CCECC Nigeria and they have been at all times under the care and accommodation of CCECC

“During their stay in Nigeria, they have complied with all known immigration and health protocols.

“It is important to reiterate that the mandate of the team, as mutually agreed with all stakeholders, does not cover treatment of COVID-19 cases. The team is therefore not treating any COVID-19 cases. In dealing with both the CCECC and the Nigerian health officials, the team only play an advisory role.

“They would continue to engage with CCECC management and staff will always be willing to engage with Nigerian health officials and other stakeholders whenever and wherever it is necessary to do so.”

There was confusion on the whereabouts of the team after Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, told reporters that he preferred not to be asked where they were.

Before then, Lai Mohammed, minister of information, had said the doctors had assisted in installing equipment in some isolation centres.

Michael Yigao, CCECC managing director, later clarified that the team was in his company’s care.

Below is the full statement of CCECC which was tweeted on Friday:

After a 14-day quarantine and necessary tests, the CRCC Medical Team has been carrying out its assigned missions. We hereby briefly report on the current status of the team below. pic.twitter.com/5gvST3yfBs

— CCECC (@CCECC8) May 22, 2020

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