The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, on Thursday, advised health workers who cannot cope with the pressure of being at the frontline of the coronavirus [COVID-19] pandemic to quit.

Ehanire noted that health care workers went through a lot of pressure during a crisis period, adding – however – that government would continue to provide mental health and counselling support for those feeling the impact of the pressure.

He said,

“It is very important for health care workers to realise that nobody is forced. Everybody is a volunteer. Those who cannot handle it have the option of being asked to be excused and someone else will come in.”

The minister allayed the fear of survival for those infected with COVID-19, saying that enough evidence had shown that the majority of infected persons would survive the virus.

“The recovery rate is 95 per cent or more. Out of 100 people that are infected, about 80 of them will have mild or no symptoms. Fifteen will have fairly severe symptoms, but not critical, while less than five per cent will have critical symptoms.

“What this means is that nobody really needs to be afraid. It is a dangerous disease that can affect a large number of people and bring health system to its knees. The five per cent can be so many, but there is no need to have a stigma.”