No need for staff self isolation over COVID-19 patient - NAUTH

By Chinedu elekwachi

Authorities of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Anambra State has allayed fears over the reported first recorded case of COVID-19 patient in the hospital.

The Chief Medical Director of the institution, Prof. Anthony Igwegbe who stated this on Monday while confirming the report, said the case did not warrant sending the health workers on self isolation as the situation was handled professionally.

He said the patient was brought to the hospital last Wednesday and his specimen on suspicion, taken to test which turned out to be positive as declared by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

He added that the patient, an Onitsha-based businessman was immediately moved to one of the isolation centres in the state for appropriate care.

He said, “NAUTH recorded its first positive confirmed Covid-19 pandemic case on Saturday, May 23, 2020 following the release of the result by NCDC.

“The patient, trader resident in Onitsha was admitted into isolation ward following proper triage on presentation on May 20. Specimen for test was taken the following day and sent to Irrua.

The CMD added that all the necessary precautions were taken, while all those that attended to the confirmed patient used Personal Protection Equipment.

He assured that the hospital would remain vigilant.

“All the necessary precautions were taken as all who attended to him used Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

“There is no cause for alarm because the situation was handled professionally which makes it unnecessary to send our health workers to self isolation,” Igwegbe assured.