Latest report from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has revealed that COVID-19 testing across states in the past week (March 22nd to 28th, 2021) decreased significantly, as 15 states tested a total of 578 samples in one week.
More worrisome is the fact that each of the states tested less than 100 samples.
Similarly, new cases of COVID-19 have also dropped from 1,080 two weeks ago, to 856 last week, with 18 deaths recorded in the same week.
States like Lagos, FCT, Rivers, and Kaduna tested 10,765; 6,831; 3456; and 2,892 samples respectively in one week. Kogi, Kebbi, Ondo, Adamawa and Sokoto tested the least COVID-19 samples – 1, 3, 11, 13 and 13 respectively.
According to the NCDC, as of March 28, 2021, “In week 12, the number of new confirmed cases decreased to 856 from 1,080 reported in week 11. These were reported in 29 states and FCT. The number of discharged cases decreased to 2,409 from 2,500 in week 11. These were reported in 23 states and FCT.
“The number of reported deaths in the last one week in 5 states and FCT was 18. Cumulatively, since the outbreak began in Week 9, 2020 there have been 2,048 deaths reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.3 percent.
“Globally, the count for confirmed COVID-19 cases is 129,359,540 with 2,769,473 deaths resulting in a case fatality rate of 2.2 percent.”
In the country, the total number of COVID-19 cases as of 3rd of April, 2020, was 163,113, with 151,853 discharges and sadly, 2,058 deaths recorded.
But, the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country stands at 9,202, with confirmation of 50 new additional cases on April 3, the NCDC has said.
The NCDC stated this on its official Twitter handle at the weekend.
The country’s daily new cases continue to follow a downward trajectory: From an all-time high of 2,314 on Jan. 22, of the country’s daily new positive cases down to 48, as at March 29.
The public health institute said the 50 new cases were reported from six states with Lagos (27), Plateau (11), Bayelsa (7), Gombe (3), Nasarawa (1) and Ekiti (1).
The agency said till date, 163,113 cases had been confirmed, 151,853 cases discharged and 2,058 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It said the country had tested 1,767,694 people since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was announced on Feb. 27, 2020.
The NCDC noted that a multi-sectoral national Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, had continued to coordinate the national response activities in the country.
Meanwhile, the agency said COVID-19 might cause severe complications in the elderly and people with underlying health conditions.
It advised Nigerians to avoid non-essential outings, large gatherings and contact with anyone showing symptoms of COVID-19.
The NCDC reminded all that the Easter Holidays were here and COVID-19 was still here with us.
“Keep your mask on at all times as you engage with others. Protect yourself and protect your loved ones. Happy Easter.
“Always wear a face mask. Maintain physical distance. Wash your hands regularly,” it further advised.
