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Health News of Monday, 8 February 2021

Source: punchng.com

Private labs account for 52% total coronavirus samples tested in Lagos - Commissioner

Inside one of the COVID-19 mobile labs established by the 54gene for Ogun and Lagos states. Inside one of the COVID-19 mobile labs established by the 54gene for Ogun and Lagos states.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on Monday says private laboratories in the state now account for 52 percent of the total COVID-19 samples tested, compared to 48 percent tested by public laboratories.

Abayomi said there were currently 21 accredited private laboratories and four public health laboratories working on samples.

The commissioner disclosed this via his verified Twitter handle @ProfAkinAbayomi while giving an update on the state’s COVID-19 status for February 6, 2021.

He noted that the total COVID-19 samples tested in the state so far was 339,872; and of this number, 316,773 were valid initial samples, while the balance were repeat samples tested.

He added that 51,570 persons tested positive.

Abayomi said the bed occupancy rate at public and private COVID-19 care centres is 54 percent.

“Starting from the month of December, there was a rapid increase in the bed occupancy at the COVID-19 isolation and treatment centres.

“However, from the beginning of February, there has been a decline in bed occupancy,” he said.

Abayomi added that 476 new COVID-19 infections confirmed in the state in the period under review had brought its infection toll to 51,570.

He said that the total number of cases discharged from COVID-19 Lagos care centres is 3,537

“Total number of COVID-19 recovery in communities – 40,649.

“Cases currently under isolation – 182.

“Active cases under home-based care – 6,881.

“Total number of COVID-19 recovery in communities – 40,649,” he tweeted.

Abayomi noted that out of 507 total bed capacity, there are only 256 beds currently available.

He also said that the Amour II and Gbagada isolation centres are being reactivated, while Landmark, Agidingbi, Gbagada, FCC, Lagoon and Onikan isolation centres have been shut down.

So far, there are 51,570 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state, with 321 deaths.