Coronavirus: Stop shaking hands, Senate tells Nigerians

TRACKING____Worried by the unabating spread of coronavirus pandemic across the world, the Senate has warned Nigerians against shaking hands with themselves in order to prevent infection by unsuspecting carriers.

The legislative chamber gave the caution following a point of order raised by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe (APC Kwara Central).

He brought his point of order on the urgent matter of public importance, noting that the virus spreads easily with not only body contacts, but shaking of hands.

The lawmaker, who is a medical doctor by training, pointed out that such precautionary measure, could help to prevent the spread of the virus in Nigeria.

According to him, many people used to cough or sneeze on their hands, warning that having contact with such persons, especially by handshake could easily spread the virus.

Consequently, the politician advised everyone to always wash their hands for at least 20 seconds at regular intervals.

He also advised the Federal Government to dissuade Nigerians from travelling to countries where the coronavirus already have many carriers.

In his remarks, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, urged the Federal Government to rise to the occasion and save the lives of Nigerians from the dreaded epidemic.