16 doctors have tested positive for COVID-19 in Lagos —Medical Guild

The Medical Guild said on Monday that at least 16 of its members in the payroll of the Lagos State government had been infected by COVID-19.

The Chairman of the Guild, Dr.Oluwajimi Sodipo, who disclosed this at a media briefing in Lagos, said its members had been playing a critical role in the COVID-19 response by engaging in training, contact tracing and surveillance, enlightening the public and providing clinical care at the isolation centres and the hospitals.

He said: “This has, unfortunately, led to several healthcare workers infected with COVID-19 and over 16 doctors isolated so far in the state workforce.

“There may be more doctors who are infected, but from the information available to us, 16 of our members are infected with COVID-19.

“The current community transmission of COVID-19 has led to a situation where everyone can be designated as a COVID suspect, especially as there are asymptomatic patients as well as those with atypical symptoms.”

He, however, said the infected doctors are responding to treatment.

Sodipo also called for prompt and widespread testing of suspected cases.

The Guild chairman added: “This should be in place so as to reduce exposure of healthcare workers and the populace, with results released within a maximum of 48 hours.

“Modalities for enforcement of the proposed guidelines for the good people of the state as announced by the state government should be followed.

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“These include use of social distancing, use of face masks, having an adequate hand washing and hand sanitizers in place with appropriate measures to checkmate defaulters.

“We do not support the use of gloves [because] if they are not changed regularly and hand hygiene practised as it should be, could lead to increased spread.”

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