COVID-19: NCDC Confirms 685 New Infections

• Nigeria’s tally now 131,242 cases

• More capacity for free testing

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA – The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Sunday confirmed 685 new COVID-19 infections which has now taken the Nigeria’s total figure to 131,242 cases.

According to statistics on its official Twitter handle, the NCDC also disclosed that eight deaths were recorded on the day with the countrywide fatality currently put at 1,586 deaths.

This is as the disease outfit commended all Health Care Workers across the country for their sacrifices in caring for patients with infectious diseases despite the associated risks.

Detailing current figures on the raging virus, the NCDC said “On the 31st of January 2021, 685 new confirmed cases and eight (8) deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

It further stated that: “Till date, 131242 cases have been confirmed, 104989 cases have been discharged and 1586 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”

Of the 685 new cases reported from 16 states of the federation, the Centre highlighted the following; Lagos – (355), Kaduna – (58), Nasarawa – (46), Kano – (40), Akwa Ibom – (33), Katsina – (26), and Ogun – (25).

Other states on the list are: Osun – (21), Rivers – (16), Edo – (15), Oyo – (13), Ondo – (12), Borno – (11), Ekiti – (9), Kebbi – (3), and Plateau – (2).

On measures to contain the virus, the NCDC said; “Testing is critical in our fight against #COVID19. It enables prompt clinical care for confirmed cases. We’ve scaled the national capacity to provide free testing for Nigerians.”

The Centre, while appreciating the work being done by HealthCare Workers in the country, said in one of its tweets thus: “Grateful to frontline responders and partners working to sustain laboratory operations across the country

“We thank all HCWs who continue to provide care to patients with infectious diseases, despite the associated risks

“We urge HCWs to always maintain a high index of suspicion for infectious diseases, avoid self-medication and remain aware of infection prevention control measures.”