CORONAVIRUS ADVISORY AND RISK ASSESSMENT/MITIGATION PLAN

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that are common among animals. In rare cases, they can 

be transmitted from animals to humans, according to the US Center for Disease Control and 

Prevention.

A novel (new) coronavirus, identified by Chinese authorities on January 7 and currently named 2019-

nCoV (Covid – 19), is a new strain that had not been previously identified in humans. Little is known 

about it, although human-to-human transmission has been confirmed.

The new outbreak thought to have originated in a Wuhan seafood market has resulted in death of at 

least 17 people in China and more than 550 cases have been reported globally. Beyond China, 

Thailand has reported four cases, while South Korea, Taiwan, Japan and the United States have each 

confirmed one. All those cases involve people who had either come from Wuhan or been there 

recently. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020, with numbers 

changing daily.

Nigeria currently has two confirmed cases

What are the symptoms? 

Signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing 

difficulties. In more severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, 

kidney failure and even death.

Transmission

When it comes to human-to-human transmission of the viruses, often it happens when someone 

comes into contact with an infected person's secretions, such as droplets in a cough/sneeze.

Depending on how virulent the virus is, a cough, sneeze or handshake could cause exposure. The 

virus can also be transmitted by touching something an infected person has touched and then 

touching your mouth, nose or eyes. Caregivers can sometimes be exposed by handling a patient's 

waste.

How to protect yourself/Preventive measure for COVID-19

All Nigerians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect 

themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below:

• Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
• Persons with persistent cough or sneezing, runny nose, sore throat should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in crowd.
• Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene – cough or sneeze into your sleeve at the bent elbow.
• Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like Headache, fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Do not engage in self-medication.
• Thoroughly cook meat and eggs.
• Take your food hot, avoid taking cold food
• GET YOUR MASK AND SANITIZERS