The Kwara state government, in a bid to mitigate the effect of the second wave of COVID-19 infectious disease in the state, on Thursday, rolled out guidelines to physicians in the public and private hospitals.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Deputy Governor/Chairman Technical Committee on COVID-19, Otunba Kayode Alabi and made available to newsmen in Ilorin, the state capital.
“Assume every patient is a potential Covid-19 case. When in doubt, refer immediately to Covid-19/Infectious Disease Centre Sobi (Alagbado) Ilorin for assessment,” the statement said.
Kayode encouraged early patient presentation and voluntary testing.
The statement added, “Within the state capital, the sampling unit is located at Covid-19/Infectious Disease Centre Sobi (Alagbado) Ilorin, while dedicated sampling centres are located at headquarters of respective LGAs. Sampling runs from 9a.m.-5p.m. daily, weekends inclusive.
“Results are expected to be released 24 hours after sampling.
“For negative results, appropriate management should be based on existing protocol.
“For positive results (i), if asymptomatic, please refer patients to Covid-19/Infectious Disease Centre Sobi (Alagbado) Ilorin for counselling, assessment, and treatment — after which patients should self-isolate in their respective homes for a period of 14 days from day of sampling. Patients are encouraged to re-visit sampling centres for repeat testing after 14 days. (ii) If symptomatic, please refer immediately to Covid-19/Infectious Disease Centre Sobi (Alagbado), Ilorin, for further management.”
He cautioned that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is yet to accredit any private hospital in Kwara State as Covid-19 treatment centre. Therefore, private hospitals are not encouraged to treat suspected or confirmed positive cases.
The statement furthered, “Ambulance services may not be available to convey suspected or unconfirmed Covid-19 cases to and from Covid-19/Infectious Disease Centre Sobi (Alagbado) Ilorin.
“For further information please contact any of the call centre telephone numbers below at any time of the day – 09062010001, 09062010002, 09010999937, 09010999938.”