NCDC DG, Ihekweazu, denies being sick, quarantined as claimed by health minister

The Director-General of the National Centre for Disease Control, Chikwe Ihekweazu, has debunked claims that he was quarantined over suspicion of coronavirus infection.

Reports stated that the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, made the claim while addressing the Senate leadership on his ministry's activities to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

He told the Senate principal officers that Ihekweazu was quarantined because he had just returned from China.

According to him, the standard practice was for anyone coming into Nigeria to be quarantined for 14 days before mingling with members of the public.

However, the claim has now been denied by Ihekweazu who described it as false because he's not sick and quarantined but only placed himself under 14 days of self-isolation after his return from China.

"I am well and have continued my duties from home since my return from China as part of the WHO-China Mission on #COVID19. The rumour that I am sick or in quarantine is obviously false. I look forward to returning to the office after 14 days of self-isolation", he tweeted.

I am well and have continued my duties from home since my return from China as part of the WHO-China Mission on #COVID19

The rumour that I am sick or in quarantine is obviously false.

I look forward to returning to the office after 14 days of self-isolation ???? pic.twitter.com/sigfoARVfK

— Chikwe Ihekweazu (@Chikwe_I) March 3, 2020