By DAVID IORJA and GRACE AUDU (Abuja) –
Nigeria’s total Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have jumped to 5959, with an additional 338 cases confirmed on Sunday in 18 states of the Federation.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which announced this in Abuja, said the 338 new cases were reported from: Lagos(177), Kano(64), FCT(21), Rivers(16), Plateau(14), Oyo(11), Katsina(9), Jigawa(4), Kaduna(4), Abia(3), Bauchi(3), Borno(3),Gombe(2), Akwa Ibom(2), Delta(2), Ondo(1), Kebbi(1) and, Sokoto(1).
The announcement came hours after President Muhammadu Buhari received briefing from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, on the activities of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 across the country.
Mustapha, who who is the Chairman of the PTF, spoke to State House correspondents on the outcome of the closed door meeting, explaining that he and the other members had briefed the president on the activities and overall positions of the Task Force (PTF).
He said: “This is part of a routine exercise. I think this is about the third time that we have had cause to submit an interim report to him on our activities as a task force, and also to update him on preparation for the other phases of engagement.
“We have supplied him with all the materials required to look at the issues; we are in for the long hurl, this is not a short distance race. It is a marathon and we have to keep everything in perspective.
“Remember that on April 27, he addressed the nation and put in place the easing down of the lockdown effective from May 4. From May 4 to date is about 13 days, tomorrow we should expect new processes to be put in place.
“But we have to give him all the details to help us in preparing for the future. So that is why we are here.”
Presenting a general overview of COVID-19 in the country as at May 17, 2020, the NCDC said that till date, 5959 cases have been confirmed, 4183 Active Cases, 1594 cases have been discharged and 182 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It also disclosed that six new patients had been confirmed dead to the virus in the country, bringing the total number of deaths to 182.
According to the health agency, the 338 new cases were confirmed in 18 states.
The NCDC stated that no new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
The NCDC further announced the inclusion of the 26th laboratories to the national COVID-19 Laboratory Network.
According to the health agency, the 26th Laboratory is the Accunalysis Diagnostic Centre, Anambra State.
It said that in progress were Katsina, Kwara and Gombe states into its National COVID-19 Laboratory Network, adding that for states that do not have a laboratory, samples are transported to the nearest state with a laboratory for testing of COVID-19.
However, the NCDC is working hard to ensure that there is a laboratory for the testing of COVID-19 in each state.
NCDC said that this will enhance access to testing and shorten the time for confirmation of result. Currently, the turnaround time is between 48-96 hours.
Testing conducted through a laboratory within the NCDC network is offered free of charge.
“Where do people go to get tested? If you are showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you are a close contact of a confirmed case, call your state helpline.
“The state officials will advise on the nearest testing centre or advise if a trained health worker will come to you to collect your sample,” it stated.
NCDC said that it also has created a directory of all state helplines which can be accessed via https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/contact
The health agency said that one of the most important things Nigerians needed to remember while awaiting their test result is that the need to protect their loved ones.
“While awaiting your results, it is important to self-isolate from friends and family. Practice frequent hand washing; wear a face mask to limit the spread of infection to your loved ones and others; and ensure the home environment is properly and frequently cleaned with disinfectant.
“If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you must continue to adhere to preventive measures as recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC,” it advised.
On whether the PTF has achieved its objectives, Mustapha said: “I can say to a large extent we have achieved the PTF objectives.
“We might not be there totally but I am confident that looking at the strategies that we are putting in place, going forward we will strengthen those objectives that we have substantially achieved which are purpose-driven in terms of dealing with COVID-19. Like I said, it is not a 100 meter race, it is a marathon.
“I can assure you that the proposals we have brought today for Mr President’s consideration, I think, holistically, will put us in a better frame to deal with the future.”
He stated that the PTF may introduce community-based approach towards the fight against the spread of the novel Coronavirus pandemic in the country.
He maintained that the PTF would continue to preach against congregation so as to check community transmission of the deadly virus.
“Congregations are the easiest places where you can get infected in terms of transmission, and that is why we try as much as possible to discourage congregations in all that we do.
“This is because the aged, the sick and the vulnerable will turn up in congregations and once they get infected, it becomes another ball game all together.
“So the zeal now and the drive will be geared towards community ownership,’’ he added.
On the Madagascar’s herbal solution supplied to Nigeria, Mustapha said the PTF was not in the possession of the `drug’.
He, however, maintained that the Madagascan native formulation, when obtained, must undergo scientific clarification before being administered to patients as earlier stated by President Buhari.
“The president has already said it will be scientifically dealt with, it is only after that that he can allow it to be tested.
“But that has been our position that whatever comes in, whatever cure, whatever solution that is being provided must be subjected to a process of validation.
“The minister of health has institutions under his ministry that are charged statutorily with the processes of validation.
“Anything that we will receive, anything that is locally developed must go through the processes of validation before we will allow it.’’
President Buhari had on Sunday received the Madagascan native formulation against the COVID-19 pandemic from the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who was on official visit to Nigeria.
Buhari, after receiving the formulation, said he would listen to science before allowing traditional or any new medicines to be administered on Nigerians.
The Nigerian leader said: “We have our institutions, systems and processes in the country. Any such formulations should be sent to them for verification.
“I will not put it to use without the endorsement of our institutions.’’
NAN reports that the PTF chairman, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, was accompanied on the visit to the State House by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, and Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu.(With NAN report)
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