Coronavirus infection rose by 77 per cent in one week - NCDC

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC in a new data has revealed a high increase in coronavirus cases in the country.

According to the data released, the cases recorded had risen by 77 per cent in one week. Two weeks ago a total of 392 cases were recorded and last week (July 5 to July 11) recorded 693 cases.

Also the number of recoveries and discharges dropped by 87 per cent from 433 two weeks ago to 57 discharged last week.

The NCDC report disclosed that testing improved in the last week by 29 percent, from 28,656 tests in 32 states to 36,965 tests in 34 states.

So far, seven states failed to conduct tests to over 10 people in a week and they include; Bauchi (1), Sokoto (1), Zamfara (1), Kogi (3), Yobe (3), Nasarawa (5), Niger (5), Lagos (15,673), FCT (5,405) and Rivers (3,991) tested the highest number of COVID-19 samples.

Following the surge in cases in the country, the NCDC Director-General Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu has cautioned Nigerians to strictly observe the coronavirus protocol.

“Given the high transmissibility of the Delta variant and following its detection in Nigeria, NCDC urges all Nigerians to ensure strict adherence to public health and social measures in place.

Proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent handwashing, and proper use of face masks, prevent infections and save lives. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.

Additionally, states are urged to ensure sample collection and testing for COVID-19 is accessible to the public. Public settings such as schools with accommodation facilities, workplaces and camps should utilise the approved Antigen based Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) for rapid testing of their population,” he said.