Agege Local Government in Lagos State says it will provide handwashing facilities in some strategic places to curb the spread of Coronavirus and LASSA fever in the locality.
Mr Ganiyu Egunjobi, the Council Chairman, during a market sensitisation visit on Friday, told traders at Agege Main Market to take issues affecting health seriously.
“LASSA fever has killed so many people in Nigeria, likewise Coronavirus has also become a very serious global challenge.
“I believe we are all aware that Nigeria recently has one confirmed case of the deadly Coronavirus otherwise known as Covid-19.
“The virus, in particular, is changing our ways of life. The fear of it is now the beginning of wisdom.
“We will provide hand washing points in strategic locations and continuously promote handwashing in our communities, ” he added.
The chairman said that most of the infectious diseases could be prevented if people maintained good personal and environmental hygiene.
According to him, such environmental hygiene, especially through regular hand washing and sanitation, can curb the spread of the virus and LASSA fever in communities.
Egunjobi said that Agege council had resolved to promote a culture of routine handwashing as a strategy to reduce deadly infectious diseases.
He noted that the enlightenment would also foster environmental sanitation in markets, motor parks, schools, mosques, churches and other public places across the community.
“Let’s keep our foodstuffs in covered containers and ensure regular handwashing with soap and water in order to prevent deadly infections,” he said.
In his remarks, Dr Akin Akintayo, the Medical Officer of Health of the council, also advised the traders at the market to be conscious of the virus and LASSA fever.
“This is a market place which welcomes different types of people, we have to be conscious of this LASSA fever at the same time prevent its spread,” he said.
The doctor also educated the traders on frequent hand washing and the use of sanitisers at both the market place and at home.
The Iyaloja, Agege Main Market, Mrs Monsurat Ajayi, in her remarks, thanked the council chairman and his team for the enlightenment and assured them that the traders would abide by the advice given to them to prevent the spread of the diseases.