Go for coronavirus test if you have malaria symptoms - Sanwo-Olu

The Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has stated that any malaria-like symptoms should be treated as COVID-19 infection until proven otherwise.

The governor gave the advice on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, while briefing state correspondents at the Lagos State Government House on the management of the second wave of coronavirus.

He said the consideration has become imperative due to increase in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state and Nigeria at large, adding that anyone with such symptoms should proceed to a public health facility or laboratory to get tested for free.

According to him, seeking help early significantly improves the chances of survival from severe to critical cases of coronavirus infection.

He added that it was important that residents should live and act responsibly in order to augment the government’s efforts in flattening the curve of the virus.

“In this second wave of the pandemic, any malaria-like symptoms should be considered as COVID-19 infection until otherwise proven.

“It is also important that we do not stigmatise or discriminate against anyone affected by this virus.

“Albeit highly contagious, the virus is not a death sentence, in most cases. Seeking help early significantly improves the chances of survival for severe and acute cases.

“Over the last few weeks, the demands for oxygen has risen from 70 six-litre cylinders per day to 350 six-litre cylinders in our Yaba Mainland Hospital. This is projected to more than double to 750 six-cylinders, before the end of January,” he said.