COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Hit 4,399 in Nigeria

• COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Hit 4,399 in Nigeria

More cases of coronavirus are being reported in Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.

The total number of confirmed cases rose by 248 on Sunday to 4,399, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). While the number of deaths recorded so far jumped by 17 from 128 to 143 in 24 hours.

This was after President Buhari eased the nation’s restriction to gradually reopen commerce following complaints from both stakeholders and businesses that the lockdown would erode their profits and resources.

However, since the president has eased the lockdown and put in place strict measures to further curb the spread of the virus, the number of confirmed cases has risen with deaths due to low compliance.

Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  on Saturday, said: “Low compliance with the guidelines by operators of commercial buses and the flouting of the directive by commercial motorcycles will not be tolerated and the security agencies have been directed to confiscate any motorcycle seen flouting the rules.”

“Getting rid of #COVID19 in our state must be a collective responsibility. It is not something the government can do alone. We must all do our part. The wearing of a face mask in public is not a suggestion. It is a necessity and mandatory.”

Sanwo-Olu comments were after numerous reports showed that Nigerians getting supplies from markets or trying to resolve banks’  related issues are flouting the guidelines.

The disease control said, “Till date, 4399 cases have been confirmed, 778 cases have been discharged and 143 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

The 248 new cases were reported from 17 states- Lagos(81), Jigawa(35), Borno(26), Kano(26), Bauchi(20),FCT(13), Edo(12), Sokoto(10), Zamfara(7), Kwara(4), Kebbi(4), Gombe(2), Taraba(2), Ogun(2), Ekiti (2), Osun(1) and Bayelsa(1).