Covid-19 and Face Masks: Nigeria's NCDC Issues Advisory Guideline on the Use of Masks

Food and health news, discussions, recipes, fitness, alternative therapy, medicine and related topics
Comment
User avatar
Erudite
Senior
Location: Naija
 

April 14th, 2020, 7:16 pm

As we all know, the use - or not - of face masks has been a subject of hot ongoing debates, not only in Africa but globally in the global fight against the novel Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. This pandemic has infected almost 2 million as we speak and has claimed over 100,000 lives. With the figure rising daily, every nation is looking for all means to curtail the viral spread especially from person to person as it has been confirmed that Covid-19 has a considerably high R0 number.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC has issued an advisory guiding Nigerians on the use of face masks. As stated on their official Twitter handle @NCDCGov, recognizing the need for guidance on #COVID19 prevention, the NCDC remains committed to keeping citizens informed on verified ways to stay safe.

Below are extracts from the guidelines:
NCDC Facemask advisory
NCDC Facemask advisory
Advisory on the Use of Masks by Members of the Public Without Respiratory Symptoms
Background
Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, it has spread rapidly across the globe, leading to over a million confirmed cases in three months. On the 27th of February 2020, Nigeria confirmed its first case of COVID-19. Since then, the number of confirmed cases has gradually increased, with more sporadic cases reported across more states in Nigeria.

Nigeria is a densely populated country with about 200 million people across 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This context and other socio-economic factors make the country particularly vulnerable for a highly transmissible virus such as SARSCoV-2 to spread. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), medical face masks should be worn primarily by people who show symptoms of COVID-19, health workers and people who are taking care of people with COVID-19 in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control recommends the use of face masks by members of the public, as an optional additional layer and not as a compulsory measure, in addition to physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures in Nigeria. This is not a compulsory advisory, but it is an added recommendation in addition to the above measures.

The NCDC goes on to recommend these:

Recommendations
In view of these, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control offers the following advice to members of the public:

1. The wearing of face masks, (or equivalent) is recommended as an optional additional layer to be used in addition to other measures such as physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures in Nigeria. The
primary rationale for the advice on face masks is to prevent those who are infected but asymptomatic from spreading the virus. Masks have to be properly disposed of in waste bins. Improper handling and frequently
touching masks can increase the risk of infection. Improvised masks are also an option – as long as they are properly washed regularly. They can be made out of cloth or other materials.

2. The usage of face masks is particularly advised while attending large gatherings (where it is absolutely necessary to attend). These include but are not limited to shopping outlets, markets, shops and pharmacies among others.

3. Given the global shortage of personal protective equipment including medical masks, public sector resources should be preserved to procure medical masks for patients and healthcare workers who need them the most.

4. The wearing of face masks alone will not protect against COVID-19, but must be combined with physical distancing, handwashing, respiratory hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and other
advice from NCDC.

5. Older persons (> 60) with existing medical conditions such as diabetes are particularly encouraged to wear masks as they are at higher risk of infection. It is also further advised that face masks are used by more vulnerable members of the society, citizens with ongoing respiratory problems, and those already exhibiting symptoms and awaiting testing.

It is important to remember that the usage of face masks alone cannot be relied upon to avoid the COVID-19 virus; physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures are necessary for protection from the virus.

The full advisory is found here.

What is your take on these?

Please share...

User avatar
eMade
VIP VIP
Location: Abuja
 

April 14th, 2020, 7:20 pm

Very informative and detailed. Thanks for sharing. The only part that confuses me is allowing public sector to produce. Who sets the standard for materials being used? Can just any materials work? :thnk:
Learn more about ✓ VIP Members: https://www.bestnaija.ng/61848 ✓ Referral: https://www.bestnaija.ng/62508
User avatar
AK Horsfall
VIP VIP
Location: Port-Harcourt
 

April 14th, 2020, 8:15 pm

eMade wrote:Very informative and detailed. Thanks for sharing. The only part that confuses me is allowing public sector to produce. Who sets the standard for materials being used? Can just any materials work? :thnk:
That scares me too
I'm a living success and from a Royal Priesthood.
User avatar
Dube
VIP VIP
Location: Yola
 

September 6th, 2020, 1:58 pm

Good
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chukwubunna
Twitter- https://www.twitter.com/@Lucky87284882
User avatar
TitanKenneth
VIP VIP
Location: New York
 

November 22nd, 2020, 3:32 pm

tell them
Follow me on facebook "Titan Kenneth".
https://mobile.facebook.com/profile.php ... speed_dial
Comment
  • See also...
    Comments
    Views
    Last post
  • Information
  • Online

    Users browsing this section: No members and 1 guest