Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are normally transmitted between animals and people. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that has not been previously identified in humans. It was first reported to WHO on the 31st of December, 2019 in Wuhan, China.

Some coronaviruses can be transmitted from person-to-person, usually after close contact with an infected patient, for example, in a household or healthcare setting. For this novel coronavirus (COVID-19), while most initial transmission appeared to be zoonotic, person-to-person transmission is the most important common mode of transmission currently.

Scientists and public health officials are working hard to identify the source of the SARS-CoV-2 which is the virus that causes COVID-19. The initial transmission appeared to be from an animal source, but there has been person-to-person transmission in countries.

When a person with coronavirus coughs or exhales, droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch the virus by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

People can also catch coronavirus if they breathe in these droplets. This is why it is important to stay at least 2 metres away from a person who is coughing or sneezing.

From the evidence so far, the virus causing COVID-19 can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather.

The early symptoms of coronavirus infection are:
– Fever
– Cough
– Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

In about 10-15% of cases, it will cause a severe illness. It appears that death is not a common outcome and occurs mostly in elderly patients or individuals with underlying health issues.

Yes. Nigeria has recorded confirmed cases of COVID-19. Most of the cases were imported from high risk countries with community transmission of COVID-19 while some are contacts of confirmed. Measures have been put in place to ensure all confirmed cases are isolated and receive treatment, while intense contact tracing is conducted.

Yes.

The Government of Nigeria has initiated a Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to provide high-level strategic national response to the disease in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health has activated an NCDC-led national COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) to coordinate response activities. At State-level, preparedness and response activities are being coordinated through Public Health EOCs in each State.

The Federal Ministry of Health is working closely with states and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, to review response activities and to institute measures to protect the health of Nigerians. Recently, the Federal Government imposed a lockdown on the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from the 30th of March for an initial period of time, to slow the spread of the disease in Nigeria.

The NCDC has also launched a campaign themed #TakeResponsibility. This is a call to all Nigerians and residents in the country to join forces and to be proactive in taking greater individual and collective responsibility in preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Self-isolation is an important way of controlling the spread of COVID-19. It means that anyone who is returning to Nigeria must stay at home and in strict isolation from their families for 14 days. This is to limit contact with people, protect yourself and loved ones. See our Guide.

This is an effective strategy to reduce physical interaction between people towards delaying and reducing the wide spread of COVID-19 in a community.

This measure involves strict adherence to:
– Non-contact greetings (avoiding shaking of hands and hugs)
– Maintaining at least 2 metres (5 feet) physical distance between yourself and individuals
– Closure of activities that will cause any form of gathering including schools, houses of worship, and social events

The Federal and States Governments, at all levels, are deploying various strategies to ensure compliance with these directives.

It is expected that every Nigerian resident takes responsibility for controlling the spread of COVID-19. State Governments are also adopting various mechanisms to ensure compliance with instituted measures by the Federal Government including self-isolation. If you know anyone who is not complying with these measures, call your state hotline to enable further investigation.

Yes. The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a ban on all international flights effective from the 23rd of March 2020 with the exception of emergency and essential flights for an initial period of time.

Yes. Currently, there are eleven laboratories in Nigeria can test for COVID-19 and they are all in the NCDC molecular laboratory network. These are:
– NCDC National Reference Laboratory, FCT
– Defence Reference Laboratory, FCT
– Virology Laboratory of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos State
– Biosafety Level-3 Laboratory, Lagos State
– Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Edo state
– Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos State
– Virology Laboratory of University College Hospital, Oyo State
– Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA), Ebonyi State
– African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Osun State
– National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State
– Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State

Health officials are advised to call 07032864444 for sample transportation and related advice if they have a case that fits the national case definition.

In line with the national case definition, the following people can be tested for COVID-19 in Nigeria:
– Anyone with travel history outside Nigeria, who presents with fever, cough or breathing difficulties within 14 days of arrival; OR
– Anyone who has symptoms and is a contact of a confirmed or probable case; OR
– Anyone with either cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath in an area of moderate or high COVID-19 prevalence with no other explanation for the symptoms

For people in either of these categories, you must self-isolate and call your state hotline or the NCDC toll-free line immediately on 080097000010. The State Ministry of Health supported by NCDC will arrange for sample collection and transportation to the laboratory.

There is no specific cure yet for COVID-19. However, many of the symptoms can be treated. Treatment is based on the patient’s clinical condition but supportive care for infected persons can be highly effective.

Currently, there is no national policy on wearing of masks. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of masks for people with symptoms of COVID-19 and health workers. Individuals are advised to assess if they need to wear a mask or not.

To reduce the risk of infection or spread of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to adhere to the following hand and respiratory hygiene measures:
– Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is available
– Use of no-touch greetings
– Maintain at least 2 metres (5 feet) physical distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
– Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Immediately call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free number 0800 970 000 0010. Do not self-medicate
– Persons with a persistent cough or sneezing, should also stay at home until they recover
– Obey national and state directives requesting the cancellation and avoidance of large gatherings, including places of worship, social and sporting events
– Avoid crowded spaces such as open markets, crowded supermarkets and pharmacies

NCDC has conducted rapid assessments of treatment centres. This assessment focused on identifying gaps and developing plans to rapidly ensure that we are prepared to manage cases of COVID-19. Every state in Nigeria has identified a treatment centre with minimum capacity needed to manage a case. This capacity is being scaled up rapidly.

Healthcare workers from identified treatment centres are being trained on how to manage COVID-19 cases using approved guidelines.

No. It is important you stay indoors and avoid contact with everyone to limit the spread of the disease. The State Ministry of Health supported by NCDC will arrange for sample collection and transportation to the laboratory.

If you are showing symptoms of COVID-19, immediately contact your state hotline or the NCDC on 080097000010 (toll-free) for further guidance.

No. There is a higher risk of spreading COVID-19 through movement and inter-state travel. All persons are advised to stay at home and avoid all non-essential movement and travel.

We are currently receiving a high volume of calls which unfortunately means that you may not be able to reach us easily through our toll-free number. Alternatively, you may contact us via;

SMS: 08099555577
WhatsApp: 07087110839
Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov
Email: [email protected]

All return travellers to Nigeria in the last 14 days must self-isolate by staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people. Please follow this advice even if you do not have symptoms of the virus. If you develop symptoms during this time, immediately contact NCDC on 07032864444 or 080097000010 (toll-free)

Currently , there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 through imported goods or packages from countries with confirmed cases. Till date, there is no known case of COVID-19 in Nigeria associated with imported goods.

Currently, there is no evidence that pregnant women are at higher risk of infection or complications from COVID-19. However, due to changes that may occur during pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to stay at home and adhere strictly to social distancing measures at all times.

Pregnant women are advised to always practice hand and respiratory hygiene to reduce the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and are advised to call their health facility for more information regarding ante-natal care provision.

Yes. The Federal Government and States Governments, at all levels, are taking proactive measures to shut down schools and large gatherings for an initial period of time. They will be monitoring and enforcing compliance.

Some States have directed the closure of non-essential businesses. For States where this is not the case or for essential businesses that will stay open, they have an important role to play in protecting their employees. In line with the directive, employers are advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory on COVID-19 to all staff. Encourage sick employees to stay at home if they are unwell. Ensure routine cleaning of high contact areas such as toilets, door handles, telephones. If staff have travelled to any country outside Nigeria in the last 14 days, they must self-isolate for 14 days by staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people.

*Chloroquine is not approved for treating coronavirus*
The World Health Organization has NOT approved the use of chloroquine for management of coronavirus disease. Self-medication can cause harm and can lead to death.

*Gargling with salt water or vinegar will not prevent the new coronavirus disease*
Doing this can be harmful. To protect yourself and your loved ones, practice proper personal and respiratory hygiene.

*Drinking alcohol, bleach or cleaning liquids will not kill the coronavirus*
Alcohol and disinfectants are not treatment for COVID-19. Cleaning substances are harmful when ingested and may cause serious damage to the body.

*Eating garlic can help prevent infection with the new coronavirus*
Garlic is a healthy food that may have some antimicrobial properties. However, there is no evidence from the current outbreak that eating garlic has protected people from coronavirus disease.

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293,
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