As the Nigeria currently battles an increase in the number of daily cases of coronavirus amidst a second wave of the pandemic, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has revealed that 731 members of Batch B National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) have tested positive for COVID-19.
Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha disclosed this on Tuesday, January 5 at the national briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja.
He stated that 731 out of 35,419 Batch B corps members using the Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) tested positive for COVID-19 compared to the 108 recorded in Batch A.
According to him, “It is on record that cases were recorded from corps members from every state of the federation. There is also a rising rate of infections among healthcare workers and this calls for the escalation of surveillance.
“In Africa, Nigeria has joined South Africa in reporting the highest daily infection cases.
“As at 4th of January, the statistics for Nigeria shows the following: Cumulative cases: 91,351; Cumulative Tests: 958,911; Deaths: 1,318 and Week 53 recorded 57 deaths which is the highest for any single week since we started.”
The Chairman also announced that the PTF has commenced sanctions on passengers who defaulted on day-7 post-arrival tests, stating that their passport numbers have been published and that travel restrictions have been imposed on them for a period of six months, effective from January 1, 2021.
He stated that the PTF had generated over 20,000 inbound passengers that have also defaulted and publication will continue weekly till it is exhausted.
On the issue of vaccines, he stated that the PTF was working on accessing the vaccines and also making adequate plans for the proper deployment of the vaccines.
“The PTF is progressing on the issue of accessing vaccines for Nigerians and that additional information would be provided to Nigerians on accelerated vaccines introduction and deployment plan.
“What is currently confronting us is a critical phase of infections globally. We are constantly reviewing our strategy to emerging situations especially in risk communication, vaccine hesitancy, fake news/disinformation,” he said.
Boss Mustapha acknowledged the effort of the private sector – CACOVID on the availability of oxygen to save lives by supporting with 100 oxygen cylinders per day till the end of March, 2021, for distribution to critical care centres in Abuja.
He further said approval had been given by the President for the rehabilitation of five oxygen plants across various tertiary health institutions in Abuja and also to establish at least one oxygen plant in each state of the federation immediately.
