The Lagos State government has revealed plans to build an International Infectious Disease Research Centre in the state.

The state governor, BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU, disclosed that the centre would be situated at the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, as part of the government’s response to COVID-19 and preparation for other infectious diseases after the pandemic.

He made the disclosure at the official launch of the 150-bed Mainland Infectious Disease Isolation Centre donated by the Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) to the state.

Governor SANWO-OLU explained that the government would also erect a purpose-built Doctors’ Quarters and permanent isolation wards to ramp up capacity for any infectious disease outbreak in Lagos, as part of the global master plan for the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

He, however, noted that beyond putting up isolation facilities for COVID-19 case management, it was important for citizens to understand the need to take responsibility against the pandemic.