Boss Mustapha, the Chairman of Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, has revealed that one in every five persons tested in Nigeria within the passing week turned out positive.
The PTF Chairman gave the remark on Monday, while stating that Nigeria and South Africa have continued to report the highest daily count of COVID-19 on the African continent, ChannelsTV reports.
Mustapha said South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya now account for 76% of all cases in the African region.
The PTF Chairman expressed that Nigeria has moved up to the 3rd position in the highest cumulative caseload but remains 2nd for new cases and 5th highest in cumulative deaths in the WHO African region.
Mustapha, who doubles as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said from the foregoing, testing has proven to have become more significant in the nation’s response.
He added that PTF still urges the State Governments to enable their EOCs to step up on sample collection and to maximise the capacities of PCR Laboratories already established in their States.
Mustapha further disclosed that PTF has also authorised NCDC to immediately implement the 450 tests per LGA plan, nationwide, immediately, beginning with States that are at the forefront of resourcing and infrastructure.
The PTF Chairman reemphasized the need for all segments of the society to get involved in risk communication and community engagement.
He added that in PTF’s continued collaboration with religious and traditional rulers, the taskforce aligns with the statements issued by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) guiding the sick and the elderly on the need to avoid large gatherings by staying at home.
Regarding the positive news about vaccines, Boss Mustapha assured Nigerians that PTF will ensure that the vaccines to be approved will be safe and effective.
He expressed;
We must however work together as foot soldiers in the vaccine advocacy so that we can eliminate the pandemic. The PTF wishes to emphasise that the success of our national response shall not depend on vaccines alone. Rather, compliance with the non-pharmaceutical protocols must remain top on our individual priorities.
The SGF also said that the nation is making progress with Case Management under its National Response.
In his words;
The National Response continues to receive the support of the private sector in the delivery of medical oxygen to the various facilities.
At the same time, funds for the rehabilitation of existing oxygen facilities have been released to the various institutions. There is also a process in motion to ensure the construction of at least one oxygen facility in each state.
Mustapha while reminding Nigerians that the pandemic is raging, noted that all tiers of Government and citizens must keep their hands-on-deck.
Below is a data of the nation as at January 17, 2021, which ought to guide the nation’s decisions and approach.
They are as follows:
Cases: 110,387
Active Cases: 22,156 (20.34%)
Discharged: 89,317 (78.36%)
Fatalities:1,435 (1.30%)
Tests: 1,172,234
Spread: 36 States + FCT
In week two of 2021 the statistics revealed the following:
Cases: 10,300
Deaths: 77
Active Cases 19,635.
