Yusuf Bello| 731 batch B Youth Corpers out of the 35, 419 tested for the novel coronavirus returned positive results, the chairman of the presidential task force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha confirmed on Tuesday.
Mustapha, who made the disclosure at the briefing of the task force said the PTF conducted the testing of batch B Corpers using Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDTs).
According to him, the confirmed cases among batch B Corpers were way higher when compared to 108 recorded with Batch A and the cases were recorded from Corps Members from every state of the Federation.
Mustapha who also disclosed that the private sector led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) is supporting the national response with a daily 100 oxygen cylinders in the FCT, however, expressed concern over the rising number of new cases in the country.
He said, “In the last two weeks, a lot has been discussed on case management and in particular, the availability of oxygen to save lives. We are pleased to inform you that the private sector, CACOVID, has commenced supporting our response with 100 oxygen cylinders per day till the end of March, 2021, for distribution to critical care centres in Abuja.”
“This was the highest daily number ever recorded since we commenced the national response. From our analysis, we are beginning to see the effect of activities carried out during the Christmas festivities.
“We can only hope that numbers will not escalate beyond control. We, however, still appeal to all citizens to take full responsibility through compliance and vigilance.
“As at date, the statistics for Nigeria shows cumulative cases 91,351; cumulative tests 958,911; deaths 1,318. Week 53 recorded 57 deaths which is the highest for any single week since we started.
“There is also a rising rate of infections among health care workers and this calls for the escalation of surveillance. In Africa, Nigeria has joined South Africa in reporting the highest daily infection cases,” he noted.
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