By GRACE AUDU, Abuja –
The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), announced on Wednesday the confirmation of 348 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and 1 death, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 11, 166.
According to the NCDC, 11,166 cases had been confirmed, with 3329 cases discharged and 315 deaths recorded in 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as at 3rd of June 2020.
“No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours,” it said on its official handle,@NCDCgov ate Wednesday night.
It explained that the 348 new cases were reported from 19 states- Lagos (163), FCT (76), Ebonyi (23), Rivers (21), Delta (8), Nasarawa (8), Niger (8), Enugu(6), Bauchi (5), Edo(5), Ekiti (5), Ondo (5), Gombe (5), Benue(4), Ogun (2), Osun (1), Plateau (1), Kogi (1), Anambra (1).
The statistics show that Lagos, FCT, Kano, account for 64.2% of total cases recorded in Nigeria, which is 11,166.
The NCDC further said that Lagos, FCT and Kano state accounted for 64.2per cent of the total number of the COVID-19 pandemic recorded in the country.
It noted that Lagos recorded 5,440, FCT 763, while Kano state recorded 970, which amounted to 11,166, making the two states plus the FCT to account for 64.2 per cent of the total number of infection in the country.
According to the agency, 33 states accounts for 36% of the total infection in Nigeria and that 75% of COVID-19 cases in the country have unknown sources of infection.
It said that this was normal for a respiratory virus and suggested ongoing community transmission in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has quoted the NCDC to have said that for families with loved ones abroad or in another state, who have passed on due to complications from COVID-19, transporting the remains is a tough process.
It added that the agency had developed a guide to ensure efficient transportation in compliance with regulations.
The virus, according to the NCDC, is spreading through contact with contaminated respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or from contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.
It said that Funeral directors and mortuary personnel were less likely to contract COVID-19 from deceased persons infected with the virus if they adopt appropriate infection control procedures and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
The health agency said precautionary strategies should be used to minimise public health risks and to prevent further spread of the disease.
“Contact and droplet infection control precautions should be used when handling deceased bodies confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19.
“Wear appropriate PPE at all times without contaminating environmental surfaces,” it added.
The NCDC noted that for transport and storage, the body must be placed and secured in a bag or wrapping in a manner that prevents leakage; double bagging may be required to achieve this.
“The body bag should be labelled COVID-19 – Handle with care. Avoid unnecessary manipulation of the body that may expel air or fluid from the lungs.
“Embalming of a body confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 is not recommended,” it said.
It noted that family viewing of the deceased may occur; however, family members should avoid any contact with the body.
The agency stressed the need to maintain the recommended social distance from families and friends of the deceased.
(With additional report by NAN)
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