NCDC seeks strict adherence to guidelines

TRACKING____The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has joined the first global movement of World Mask Week (WMW) to motivate Nigerians to wear facemasks toward reducing the spread of COVID-19 infection.

Director-General of NCDC Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a statement issued yesterday in Lagos, said given the widespread community transmission of COVID-19, strict adherence to the use of masks in public spaces, particularly, where physical distancing may not be practical, can help slow the spread of the virus.

The first World Mask Week (WMW), holding from August 7 to August 14, aims at reinforcing the importance of wearing a facemask to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The initiative was from a coalition of organisations, including the Pandemic Action Network (PAN), the World Health Organisation, Africa CDC and private companies working to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 globally.

Ihekweazu said in the absence of a vaccine that could prevent infection, and as COVID-19 cases increases globally, citizens must depend on non-pharmaceutical measures to protect themselves.

He listed the non-pharmaceutical measures as including the use of facemasks, handwashing, physical distancing and supportive management of confirmed cases to mitigate the impact of the disease.

Ihekweazu said the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Federal Ministry of Health, NCDC and partner organisations within the country would run activities for WMW.

He listed such activities as awareness campaigns in communities and media features nationwide to sensitise Nigerians on the importance of wearing facemasks to slow down the spread of COVID-19.

Ihekweazu further said the campaign on social media would also feature the hashtags #MaskOnNigeria, #MaskingForAFriend and #TakeResponsibility.

The director-general said: “Studies have shown that the correct use of facemasks is critical to reducing the risk of COVID-19 infection.

“The WMW movement encourages people and businesses around the world to rally behind the importance of wearing a facemask properly, not only during WMW, but daily until a vaccine that can prevent the infection is readily accessible to all citizens.’’

Ihekweazu emphasised that the use of masks was a key component of Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures in medical and non-medical settings.

Also, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said: “We are glad to join this global campaign to educate Nigerians on the importance of wearing a facemask.

“The appropriate use of facemask is one of the comprehensive non-pharmaceutical preventive and control measures adopted to limit the spread of COVID-19 by preventing respiratory droplet transmission.”

Ehanire added that masks could also be used by healthy persons to reduce exposure.