The Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora has come out to say that the Federal government might soon alter its approach towards preventing, detecting and treating coronavirus.

Speaking at the Nigeria Institute for Medical Research, NIMR, Mamora revealed that the approach has become imperative after the second confirmed case which showed no clinical symptoms at the time he was diagnosed.

According to him, handshaking, hugging or kissing should be avoided by all means right now and all types of travels to countries with high cases are not advised.

He added that personal hygiene is important for citizens to be on the right path when it comes to prevention.

His words, “The patient wasn’t at the time of testing manifesting any symptoms, no cough, no fever, but it was just an issue of high index of suspicion that he eventually tested positive. That shows that we can have a healthy carrier, who does not manifest symptoms.

“This development may compel us to change our strategy, maybe as many contacts that have been established with the index case, we may have to test all of them to ensure we are on the right path.”

“This is not the right time for handshaking, hugging or kissing. Again, wisdom dictates that this is not the best time to travel to some high burden areas either for business or whatever. If you go, when you come back do self-isolation for 14 days. And if you are having symptoms like cough, fever, or difficulty in breathing, go and see your doctor.

“Personal hygiene remains vital, and handwashing is critical to personal hygiene; the tendency is always there to consciously or unconsciously touch your face.

“On the face, you have the portals of entry – the mouth, the nose, and the eyes, that is why we stress the need not to touch the face.”

“When you talk of respiratory hygiene, sneezing, coughing or yawning requires you to cover your mouth with a handkerchief or towel and wash your hands afterward. Keep a safe distance from others when you do that.”