Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Theophilus Adiku has called for the deployment of rapid test kits and ambulances at the country’s entry points to fast track early detection and treatment of the coronavirus.

The World Health Organisation on Thursday declared the deadly virus as a global emergency.

WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is reported saying "The main reason for this declaration is not what is happening in China but what is happening in other countries."

Government has indicated that adequate preparations have been made to deal with the virus in event of an outbreak.

The Health Ministry also issued alerts and guidance information to health facilities in the 16 regions in a bid to protect the citizenry.

But according to Prof Adiku, “everybody has to be very vigilant to prevent the spread of the virus – especially to our region where we have a very conducive atmosphere to sustain the virus for some time.”

Prof Adiku, however, wants the country to heighten its vigilance given the fluid nature of the deadly virus.

At least 213 people have died in China, with almost 10,000 cases of the virus.

The WHO said there had been 98 cases in 18 other countries, but no deaths.

Most international cases are in people who had been to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began.