Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu has been sent into 14-days self-isolation immediately after his return from China.
The NCDC boss had visited China on the request of the Chinese Government to understudy and conduct research on the behavioural pattern of Coronavirus.
The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire made the disclosure when he briefed the leadership of the senate on the level of preparedness by the Ministry.
He said the Director-General of NCDC will remain in isolation in one of the rooms in his house for 14 days. Ehanire said:
“Chikwe had gone to China and come back and has done the test. It is negative, but we have insisted that he must undergo the 14-day of quarantine which is why he is not here today.
“He is not allowed to come out until after 14 days, because if you make rules, you must also obey them, which is to set example for Nigerians that the head of NCDC is self-quarantined as we speak. He’s very well but he has to follow the rules.”
Reacting oh his Twitter page, the NCDC boss admitted he was part of a World Health Organisation (WHO) delegation that visited China recently. He, however, denied being quarantined for coronavirus. He said:
“I was not quarantined. I was part of the delegation of the DG of the WHO to China for research and I have since returned. I am not being quarantined.”
“I am well and have continued my duties from home since my return from China as part of the WHO-China Mission on #COVID19
“The rumour that I am sick or in quarantine is obviously false. I look forward to returning to the office after 14 days of self-isolation.”
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