COVID-19: Lagos Fears Positive Cases May Reach 120,000 By July
- Debunks Health Commissioner’s positive test
- Says news is ‘fake’
BY CHINYERE OBIORA, LAGOS – The Lagos State government has raised an alarm that the State may record between 90,000 and 120,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) by July or August when the pandemic reaches the peak.
This is as State Ministry for Health debunked reports that the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, has tested positive for deadly COVID-19.
Addressing the media on coronavirus updates at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja on Friday, Prof Akin Abayomi, said though the state is yet to reach the virus peak that will likely be around July and August, pointers are that confirmed cases could rise to about 120,000 in the next three months.
He said Lagos has ramped testings to reach large number of people in a bid to flatten the curve and attributed the increase recorded in cases to the decentralisation of sample collection to the 20 Local Governments in the State.
The Commissioner noted that the State government’s proactive measures has largely been responsible for keeping Lagos’ figure low at the current 1,491 rather than projected 6,000 cases.
Prof Abayomi, who disclosed that Alimosho, Oshodi and Isolo are currently recording more COVID-19 cases, however, said 97 per cent of positive cases at its isolation centres are mild and moderate cases.
According to him, only three per cent were severe cases while the mortality rate has been mainly among males, adding that males with pre-existing ailments such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension and others are prone to be fatal cases.
On the status of occupants at the State House, Marina, including the governor and his family, Prof Abayomi said of the 80 people tested, only 10 were found to be positive.
The Commissioner disclosed that the 10 staff of the State House, Marina, with positive test, have moved to isolation centres for adequate care and treatment.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Ministry for Health says reports of the Health Commissioner, Prof. Akin Abayomi being positive for COVID-19 is fake.
A statement from the ministry signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Tubosun Ogunbanwo, described the report as ‘fake news’ and urged the public to disregard it.
“We hereby urge the public to disregard this absolute falsehood and fabricated report in its entirety. This is the hand work of mischief makers who are out to create unnecessary panic and fear amongst the populace.
“@ProfAkinAbayomi is hale and hearty, in good health and has continued in his capacity as the Deputy Incident Commander of the #COVID19Lagos Intervention to coordinate activities and response in order to break the chain of transmission of the infection in Lagos.
“We implore citizens to rely only on the official and verified communication channels of the @followlasg and @LSMOH for #COVID19 Lagos related news and information.
“Let’s take responsibility by sharing only confirmed and verified reports”, the Ministry said.