By our reporter| The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, on Wednesday said that he is on self-isolation, and not quarantine as reported over fears of being infected with Coronavirus.
Ihekweazu who was part of a high-level delegation by the World Health Organisation (WHO), returned from China on February 24.
It will be recalled that while on a visit to the national assembly on Tuesday, Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire told the senate leadership that the NCDC DG was on self-quarantine following his return from China on official duty.
But appearing on Channels Television Sunrise Daily on Wednesday, Ihekweazu explained he has been in isolation for nine days as part of the regulations made, that 14-day isolation must be observed.
He further revealed that since his return, he has conducted a series of tests to justify that he has not been infected by the novel virus.
He said, “I am on self-isolation; this is a procedural thing because I was part of a high-level delegation by the World Health Organisation, there were 12 global health leaders across the world, and I was the only African and it was a huge privilege to be part of this team.
“I’ve been back for 9 days and I have 5 more days, I got back to Nigeria on the 24th, I’ve been doing my work from home just in respect to the regulations we made because we put out the guidelines that we should stay at home for 14 days.”
“We went to China, several cities to understand the response and the reports we produced have influenced the response of the rest of the world.
“Quarantine is when you are kept in a place and enforced by the military or police to protect the population.
“Meanwhile I have had series of tests just to assure everyone and I am fine doing well,” he added.
With additional report from Channels
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