By Williams Anuku Abuja
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State says anyone with malaria-like symptoms should be considered as having COVlD-19 virus infection unless and until otherwise proven.
Sanwo-Olu stated this while briefing journalists on the second wave of COVID-19 at the State House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Tuesday.
He said that anyone with COVID-19 like symptoms should proceed to any of the public health facilities and/or laboratories and get tested for free.
The governor advised that residents should not discriminate or stigmatise against anyone affected by the COVID-19 virus, saying: “Albeit highly contagious, the virus is not a death sentence in most cases. Seeking help early and quickly significantly improves the chances of survival.”
Sanwo-Olu said that the “increase in the positivity of cases in Lagos State has necessitated the provision of greater amounts of concentrated oxygen for the moderate to severe cases on admission in our isolation centres,” adding that the second wave of COVID-19 is turning out to be far worse than the first wave, as we can flatten the curve if we observe the protocols.”
He stated that over the last few weeks, the demand for oxygen has risen from 70 6-litre cylinders per day to 350 6-litre cylinders in Yaba Mainland Hospital.
“This is projected to more than double to 750 6-litre cylinders, before the end of January 2021. In addition to providing oxygen at our isolation centres, the Lagos State Government has decentralised the availability of oxygen across the state through the provision of 10 oxygen and sampling kiosks.”
He added that “Oxygen therapy and other related services will be provided to patients that require them. Five of these 10 centres have been commissioned while the remaining five will be ready for use within the next four weeks.”
“It is our expectation that these sampling kiosks would be easily accessible to residents that require oxygen therapy at the level of local government areas as stabilisation points prior to onward transmission to our Isolation centres if required.”
“This strategy is to further increase the lighting chance of Lagos residents that have contracted the virus and require immediate oxygen therapy.”
As regards resumption of schools, the governor said: “That all schools in the state have been advised to open in compliance with the directives of the Federal Government and they have commenced schooling activities on Monday, January 18, 2021.”
He said that it was a difficult decision to make in the light of the second wave of Cvoid-19 but assured that “it was the best decision for our children’s safety and long-term development, especially our most vulnerable children.”
Sanwo-Olu noted that the staff and management of the Ministry of Education have been monitoring compliance of both public and private schools with the safety policies and protocols in and out.
The governor encouraged parents are to ensure the protocols of safety are adhered to in their homes and that they model responsible behavior to their children at all times.
The governor disclosed that as at January 17, 2021, Lagos has recorded 41,374 confirmed cases of COVID-19 out of which 28,452 had recovered and were within the community, while 9,213 were currently active in the community.
“Over the last 12 months, about 3,776 COVID-19-related patients have been admitted into our various care centres, with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.67 per cent (277 cases).
“So far, 263,358 tests have been conducted between our public and private laboratories, with 41,374 diagnosed as positive. This has allowed us the opportunity to target our interventions with precision and ensure the efficient use and mobilisation of resources, while 9,213 were currently active in the community.”
“Over the last 12 months, about 3,776 COVID-19-related patients have been admitted into our various care centres, with a registered fatality rate of approximately 0.67 per cent (277 cases).
“So far, 263,358 tests have been conducted between our public and private laboratories, with 41,374 diagnosed as positive. This has allowed us the opportunity to target our interventions with precision and ensure the efficient use and mobilisation of resources,” he said.
