COVID-19: 731 batch B corpers test positive
Results of COVID-19 test conducted on 35, 419 batch B Youth Corpers returned with 731 confirmed cases. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has confirmed. Mustapha, at the Tuesday’s briefing of the Presidential Task Force said the PTF conducted the testing of batch B Corpers using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs). ASUU […]
FILE: Corps members coming out of the NYSC Kubwa camp after the announcement of the suspension of the on-going orientation course to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which causes Covid-19. Photo by Maureen Onochie
Results of COVID-19 test conducted on 35, 419 batch B Youth Corpers returned with 731 confirmed cases. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has confirmed.
Mustapha, at the Tuesday’s briefing of the Presidential Task Force said the PTF conducted the testing of batch B Corpers using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs).
He said the confirmed cases among batch B Corpers were way higher when compared to 108 recorded with Batch A.
The SGF said that it is on record that cases were recorded from Corps Members from every states of the Federation.
CACOVID
Mustapha also disclosed that the private sector led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) is supporting the national response with a daily 100 oxygen cylinders in the FCT.
“In the last two weeks, a lot has been discussed on case management and in particular, the availability of oxygen to save lives. We are pleased to inform you that the private sector, CACOVID, has commenced supporting our response with 100 oxygen cylinders per day till the end of March, 2021, for distribution to critical care centres in Abuja,” Mustapha said.
He also expressed concern over the rising recorded daily numbers, saying that as at Monday 4 January, Nigeria recorded 1,204 infections.
“This was the highest daily number ever recorded since we commenced the national response. From our analysis, we are beginning to see the effect of activities carried out during the Christmas festivities.
“We can only hope that numbers will not escalate beyond control. We however, still appeal to all citizens to take full responsibility through compliance and vigilance.
“As at date, the statistics for Nigeria shows cumulative cases 91,351; cumulative tests 958,911; deaths 1,318. Week 53 recorded 57 deaths which is the highest for any single week since we started.
“There is also a rising rate of infections among health care workers and this calls for the escalation of surveillance. In Africa, Nigeria has joined South Africa in reporting the highest daily infection cases,” Mustapha said.
Low testing
Speaking on the test rates, the SGF said that testing is a key strategy under the national response and that Nigeria has about 100 laboratories across the country. According to him, these are 71 public labs; 22 private labs and seven corporate labs and which are collectively to help improve testing in the country.
He said, “Regrettably, however, there is still very low testing in a number of states. Federal Government has sufficiently supported the states to enable them support surveillance and IPC.
“To overcome some of these challenges, the PTF will intensify the risk communication and community engagement to create awareness. The share level of doubts about the virus is alarming and I call on every one to become advocates in support of the National Response.”
FG to establish oxygen plants across states
Mustapha added that following the news for oxygen in the national management response, approval has been given to rehabilitate five oxygen plants across various tertiary health institutions in Abuja.
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari has also approved that at least one oxygen plant should be established in each state of the federation immediately.
Vaccine procurement
The SGF also said that the PTF is progressing on the issue of accessing vaccines for Nigerians and that additional information will be provided to Nigerians on accelerated vaccines introduction and deployment plan.
“What is currently confronting us is a critical phase of infections globally. We are constantly reviewing our strategy to emerging situations especially in risk communication, vaccine hesitancy, fake news/disinformation,” Mustapha said.
‘More Intl travellers to be sanctioned’
The SGF said that the PTF has commenced the sanctions on passengers who defaulted on day-7 post arrival tests, as their passport numbers have been published and travel restriction imposed for a period of six months effective 1st January, 2021.
He added that the PTF has generated over 20,000 inbound passengers that have also defaulted and that the publication will continue weekly till it is exhausted.
He said, “Nigerians should be aware that every defaulter is a threat to public health which is unacceptable to us and represent a draw back to the National Response. We have a duty to advise our relations, friends, associates to comply with laid down rules.”