Coronavirus: One million Nigerian Red Cross volunteers on alert

Secretary General of Nigerian Red Cross, Mr Abubakar Kende, has said the organisation had placed on alert nearly one million of its volunteers across the country, following the global outbreak of Coronavirus.


Kende, who addressed reporters in Abuja, urged Nigerians to imbibe good hygiene and observe measure recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health.

The official said the organisation had placed the volunteers on alert to support relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Committee of the Red Cross to prevent, control and contain Lassa fever and Coronavirus.


He advised Nigerians to adhere to the following measures to protect themselves from Coronavirus, as recommended by the ministry:

Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds

Cover your mouth and nose properly with handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. You may also cough into your elbow, if a handkerchief is not available.

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing and sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay at home or go to health centre when you are sick.

Use hand sanitisers or soap and water to clean your hands regularly. Also, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The official called on relevant government agencies and corporate organisations to partner with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) to assist in the fight against Lassa fever and prevention of Coronavirus.