807 new cases reported in Lagos on a single day
New COVID-19 cases are not relenting as 807 new cases have been reported for Lagos alone on Thursday.
This represents a rise of 165 new persons contracting the virus.
The Lagos State Ministry of Health reports that 238,967 persons have been tested in Lagos so far, 7,329 of which were tested last week.
In a news conference on Tuesday, Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Prof. Chris Bode, said that the COVID-19 second wave was ravaging the land and claiming many lives.
“Unlike what we witnessed in the first wave, this one is even more easily transmitted and deadlier too.
“It is, therefore, imperative for everyone, first and foremost, accept that COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and we must prepare to confront it all over again.
“What we see on the streets, worship centres and social interactions, parties and daily activities call for concern.
“In a period when the ‘enemy’ has doubled back and is attacking us ferociously, we seem to be celebrating a false victory and denying the danger is still around us.
“We need to observe all the basic rules we have been following all along and wake up to the present reality.’’
The chief medical director, however, advised the public to shelve all forms of social engagement for now: no parties, churches, mosques, meetings.
“Tell yourself it is better to stay alive. Wash your hands frequently and before you touch the face, eyes and mouth.
“Wear face mask obligatory (most important), maintain a social distance of at least six feet away from others where you must be with anyone.
“Do not hold face-to-face meetings with others, go virtual for now; if you love your aged relations, insist on these tenets for now. Do not go visiting them until the pandemic goes away.
“We have seen an upsurge in the number of people who keep treating ‘malaria’ instead of going for the COVID test.
“Many such then start using all sorts of steam inhalation and home remedies for their cough and chest congestion.
“It is not helpful to do this, especially if you are also diabetic, hypertensive or with a number of other health baggage or you are above the age of 60,” Bode advised.
In its latest report, the ministry posted a 33.7% positivity rate. This means that one in three persons tested recently has tested positive to the coronavirus.
On 7th January 2021, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 1565 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths in Nigeria.
Till date, 95934 cases have been confirmed, 77982 cases have been discharged and 1330 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The 1565 new cases are reported from 25 states- Lagos (807), FCT (236), Kaduna (79), Oyo (57), Plateau (47), Rivers (37), Katsina (35), Edo (30), Sokoto (30), Delta (26), Kebbi (23), Ondo (20), Enugu (18), Abia (17), Ogun(17), Benue(16), Bayelsa (15), Bauchi (14), Niger (13), Kano (10), Borno (6), Imo (5), Ekiti (4), Osun (2) and Jigawa (1).
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has warned of another lockdown if there is a persistent rise in COVID-19 cases.
