Guidance for self isolation in Nigeria
*Close contact: contact within one metre with a confirmed case
As Nigeria responds to an outbreak of COVI9-19, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control offers this guidance for self-isolation.
WHAT DOES SELF-ISOLATION MEAN?
Self-isolation means strictly staying at home or identified accommodation, away from situations
where you mix with family members or the general public, for the period
of 14 days. This means any situation where you may come in close
contact with others (face to face contact closer than 2 metres i.e. 5
feet).
If you are unsure if you should be in self-isolation, or if
you do not know where you can go, please contact NCDC for free on
080097000010
WHO SHOULD SELF ISOLATE?
● All returning travelers from high risk countries with ongoing community transmission
● Anyone who has been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
If you have not been in contact with someone who has been infected with COVID-19, your risk of getting COVID-19 is very low.
This is a stressful period, but taking these measures will help protect you, your family, and all of Nigeria from COVID-19.
HOW WILL I MOVE FROM MY ARRIVAL POINT IN NIGERIA TO MY
PLACE OF SELF ISOLATION?
● If arriving the country, ensure that you are picked up by ONLY one person; you should
avoid use of public transport by plane, bus, train or car.
● Do not sit in the co-drivers’ seat (maintain at least 1 metre between yourself and the
driver)
● Ensure adequate ventilation throughout your trip
● Avoid contact with the driver
● You should not travel across states in Nigeria during the self-isolation period either by plane, train, bus or car
How will I be monitored during self isolation ?
For travelers and contacts of confirmed cases, you are required
to provide your name, next of kin, physical address and telephone
contact to the relevant health authorities. These details will guide our
surveillance teams in monitoring you while under self-isolation for 14
days.
On living with others;
As much as possible, please stay in one room. You should limit your contact with people.
You should avoid having visitors to your home, but it is okay for
friends, family or delivery drivers to drop off food without having
physical contact with you.
If you are in a home where the other
residents have not travelled (e.g. your home / flat, student
accommodation), minimise close contact with the other residents by
avoiding situations where you may have face-to-face contact closer than 2
metres (5 feet).
The other household residents and or flat mates do not need to self-isolate provided these precautions are followed.
You should not share plates, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils,
towels, pillows or other items with other people in your home. After
using these items, you should wash them thoroughly with soap and water
or place them in the dishwasher for cleaning.
What should I do for effective self isolation?
If you are under self-isolation, you are advised to observe the following prevention and control measures:
● Stay in a well-ventilated room away from other people such as family members with
separate hygiene and toilet facilities
● If you are working, ensure you work from home during the entire duration (14 days)
● Ensure that you have adequate food, water, hygiene provisions and
appropriate medical treatment for any existing medical conditions while
in self-isolation
● Ensure that you have the necessary communication
facilities e.g. mobile telephone to communicate with family members and
other people while in self-isolation
● Always wash your hands with soap and water regularly or use an alcohol-based hand rub
● Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue when coughing and
sneezing. Throw away used tissue into the dustbin or burn it and wash
your hands immediately with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
● Stay away from pets as there is a chance that humans can pass the disease to them
Guidance for self isolation in Nigeria
*Close contact: contact within one metre with a confirmed case
● Avoid sharing toothbrushes, utensils, dishes, drinks, towels, clothes or bed linen with anybody in your home
● Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as
doorknobs/handles, bedside tables, bedframes and other bedroom furniture
daily with regular household disinfectant or soap
● Clean and disinfect bathroom and toilet surfaces at least once a day with regular household disinfectant or soap
● If you develop any symptoms of acute respiratory infection, including
fever, cough, sore throat and difficulty in breathing, please call for
immediate help on the NCDC toll free line 0800 9700 0010
What happens if I do not comply with self-isolation?
If a person is suspected to have breached the guidelines, NCDC
and the state surveillance teams will work closely with the individuals
to ensure that they understand their obligations. They will also be
helped to appreciate the importance and seriousness of self-isolation
under the current global COVID-19 pandemic threat.
What should I do to keep my spirit up while in self isolation?
Your emotional and mental health is important. Sometimes one could feel stressed or lonely when under self-isolation:
● Talk to other members of the family about the COVID-19, understanding this disease will reduce anxiety
● Reassure your young children using age-appropriate language
● Think about how you have coped with other difficult situations in the past and reassure yourself.
● Keep in touch with family members and friend via telephone, emails or social media
● Stock plenty of materials to keep your mind occupied such as books, movies etc.
● Ensure you have a television, cable and internet connectivity in your room (this is optional)
● Exercise regularly in your room
● Ensure that you drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep hydrated
● Eat all your meals in a timely manner
● Ensure you take adequate rest
What happens when I complete the 14 days of self isolation?
If you are a contact of a confirmed case:
After completion of the 14 days of self-isolation without symptoms, the
surveillance team will formally discharge you from follow up and you
will be free to go about your usual activities. A certificate of
completion of self-isolation will be issued to you by the surveillance
team.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 such as: ● Cough ● High temperature (fever) ● Shortness of breath (or difficulty with breathing) ● Or general feeling of unwellness.
During your 14 days of self-isolation, avoid self-medication.
Nigeria has 5 labs with the capacity to test for #COVID19 located in FCT, Lagos, Edo and Osun States.
Contact NCDC Connect Centre immediately Contact: NCDC Toll-Free Number: 0800 9700 0010 SMS: 08099555577 WhatsApp: 07087110839 Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov Email: [email protected]
