The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has lamented that most of the Covid-19 fatalities in Nigeria are educated, well-to-do individuals with underlying ailments, who chose home-based treatment before developing complications and rushing to the hospital.
He revealed this at the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, noting that as at Monday, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases were 6,175 in 34 States and the FCT.
Out of this figure, Ehanire said, 1,644 patients have been treated and discharged from care, however, 191 deaths were recorded in 26 states and the FCT.
“Even though this figure seems low compared to other countries, a disturbing picture emerging from statistics is that not only are most fatalities observed to be linked with pre-existing diseases, many are educated, well-to-do people, who chose home-based care, where they develop sudden complication and have to be rushed to hospital.
“Experience is showing that breathing complications in Covid-19 patients can arise with little or no notice.
“This is an added reason why all persons should seek medical attention when they test positive,” the minister stressed.
He, therefore, called on Nigerians to constantly wear face masks, insisting that, masks should be washed daily and properly ironed, where possible.
According to Ehanire: “Masks must be worn and washed daily, ironed, where possible.
“Masks should cover mouth and nose and should not be left under the chin during close quarter conversation, lest its purpose is defeated.
“New understanding is that droplet dispersal takes place even during normal speech and common use of masks can significantly limit risk of transmission, especially in close settings. Tissues must be used when coughing, sneezing and then disposed of.
“The stay-at-home advisory needs to be more strictly adhered to and citizens need not undercut the ban on interstate travel by hiding in goods trucks.”
