NCDC begins biweekly COVID-19 updates

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it has transitioned from weekly case announcements for COVID-19 to biweekly situation reports for COVID-19.

The NCDC disclosed this in its public health advisory on the relaxation of COVID-19 safety measures and travel advisory issued on Wednesday.

Recall that on December 12, the Federal Government relaxed COVID-19 safety measures and travel advisory following the sustained reduction in COVID-19 infection and transmission across the country.

The NCDC, however, advised Nigerians to get vaccinated and complete their vaccination dose.

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The advisory read in part “Due to recent assessments of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has also transitioned from weekly case announcements for COVID-19 to biweekly situation reports for COVID-19. However, we continue to advise Nigerians to, visit the nearest government health facility to get vaccinated if you have not been previously vaccinated. Complete your vaccination dose if you are partially vaccinated and get your booster dose for increased immunity.

“Persons in the high-risk category for severe COVID-19 including hospitalisation e.g., the elderly, those with conditions or on treatments that affect their immune systems, those with hypertension, diabetes and other significant chronic illness are advised to continue to use their facemask in crowded places.

“Wash your hands with soap under running water frequently or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.

“Cough or sneeze into your bent elbow or a disposable tissue. Get tested for COVID-19 if you notice COVID-19-associated symptoms.

“Self-isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 until you recover. Adhere to the published guidelines for home-based care of mild COVID-19 cases.

“Fill out the simplified Health Declaration Form (not exclusive to COVID-19) on the Nigeria International Travel Portal upon, before, or on arrival in the country. Although no longer a pre-requisite for travel, we recommend filling this simple health declaration form prior to travel to Nigeria to avoid any additional delays on arrival at our airports.

“NCDC will continue to maintain surveillance (including genomic surveillance [sequencing]) to monitor the COVID-19 trends locally and monitor the global situation to inform public health measures to protect the health of Nigerians.”