PRESS RELEASE BY REDDINGTON HOSPITAL GROUP
It has come to the attention of the management of the Reddington hospital that rumours are circulating on social media of a case of coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Reddington hospital Ikeja. We would like to assure the public that there has been NO confirmed case of coronavirus at ANY of the branches of the Reddington hospital as at today 26 February 2020.
In the early hours of Wednesday 26 February 2020, a Chinese National presented at the Ikeja branch of the Reddington Hospital complaining of fever. Following standard protocol it was ascertained that HE HAD ARRIVED IN NIGERIA FROM CHINA SEVEN (7) WEEKS AGO and had not been in contact with anyone else who might have coronavirus.
As a precautionary measure, staff immediately isolated him in accordance with the hospital’s standard operating procedure for potential coronavirus patients.
The state public health authorities were promptly informed and involved.
Despite the risk being assessed to be relatively low according to the currently available science regarding incubation period, blood samples were taken using full prescribed precautions and sent to the Lagos State authorised virology laboratory for analysis and diagnosis. The results of the tests will be available tomorrow.
Meanwhile the patient has since been transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Yaba Lagos for observation while the results of the tests are being awaited.
It is to be emphasised that the risk is thought to be low and so far patient HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH CORONAVIRUS DISEASE.
The Reddington team acted in a highly professional manner and in absolute compliance with international standards.
We will continue to pursue our strict surveillance of all patients and visitors in all our branches.
We thank all staff for their vigilance, diligence and professionalism in dealing with this case.
Signed
Dr Olutunde Lalude
Group Medical Director
Reddington Hospital Group
