NCDC: 75 health workers tested positive for COVID-19 last week

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says, in the past week, 75 health workers across the country tested positive for COVID-19.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, the NCDC’s director-general, said this at the media briefing of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, on Monday.

According to NAN, Ihekweazu expressed concern about the rise in infections among health workers, and advised them to handle each patient as a suspected COVID-19 case.

He added that the federal government is working towards providing additional protection for health workers.

“First, I’ll like to address the increasing number of COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers themselves. In the last one week, 75 healthcare workers were infected, but we can reduce this risk,” he said.

“For healthcare workers, please maintain a high index of suspicion at all times. We need you alive and well.

“This means that you should suspect COVID-19 in every case you meet, until ruled out. Even, when ruled out, there is still the small risk of infection.

“We are rolling out the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (RDTs) in more health facilities over the next one month, as an additional tool to protect healthcare workers.

“We remain deeply grateful for the efforts and commitment of healthcare workers across the country.”

Ihekweazu said the agency has started training health workers in five facilities in the federal capital territory (FCT) on the use of RDTs.

“All five health facilities in the FCT have begun using these RDTs to test healthcare workers who are exposed, and patients who require surgery or specialised care,” he said.

“With this, we can reduce the risk of infection in healthcare facilities, which is a challenge.

“Any state government, hospital, corporate that wants to discuss the use of RDTs, how, which ones, when, please the guidance is on the website, ncdc.gov.ng.”

The director-general urged health workers to adhere to the COVID-19 protocol as it would encourage other Nigerians to do so.

“We must all work together to achieve a common goal. Be a leader and champion setting the example in your social circles. It not just by saying, it is also by doing,” he added.