COVID-19 Update: Nigeria’s Tally Now 6401, Records 226 New Cases

BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA – Nigeria’s total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections jumped to 6,401 as at Tuesday, May 19, with 226 new cases recorded across the country.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), with no new state reporting a case and one patient dying of coronavirus-related complications in the last 24 hours, the total number of fatalities in the country now stands at 192 deaths.

Despite controversies in the social media concerning veracity of the raging pandemic in the country, NCDC said till date, about 36,899 samples have been tested nationwide with 4,475 of the total 6401 confirmed cases remaining active.

Other figures on the NCDC’s official website further confirmed that 1,734 cases have been successfully treated and discharged from isolation centres in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Agency also indicated that of the 226 new cases reported from 16 states of the Federation, Lagos still leads the pack with One Hundred and Thirty-one (131) cases; Ogun – Twenty-five (25); Plateau – Fifteen (15); and Edo – Eleven (11).

Also on the list of fresh cases are: Kaduna – Seven (7); Oyo – Six (6); FCT and Adamawa – Five (5) each; Jigawa, Ebonyi and Borno – Four (4) cases each; Nasarawa – Three (3); Bauchi and Gombe – Two (2) each; with Enugu and Bayelsa bringing up the rear with one (1) case each.

On the need for people to self-isolate after being exposed to the virus, the NCDC said it is critical to stay in isolation if positive to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others as well as loved ones.

The Centre said most people infected with the virus only have mild to moderate symptoms and recover, while some others have severe symptoms and may die, especially older people and those with underlying sicknesses.

In other tweets, the NCDC said:
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Replying to @NCDCgov
“The response to #COVID19 cannot primarily be driven at the Federal level, we need states to take more ownership.

Our responsibility is to provide guidance and ensure adequate compliance to recommended measures across board”

~ @DrSaniAliyu, #PTFCOVID19 Coordinator

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Replying to @NCDCgov

We are aware of the message circulating that NCDC will facilitate a #COVID19 relief package for Nigerians. This is FALSE

The public is advised to disregard this message

NCDC’s mandate is to support States in preparing, detecting & responding to infectious disease outbreaks

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Replying to @NCDCgov
“#COVID19 infection among health care workers happens primarily before the diagnosis is made.

Inefficient use of personal protective equipment is as risky as the non use.

Our guideline on rational use of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) is available on our website👇🏽https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/media/files/UseOfPPEnew.pdf …”