The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 has announced that 731 members of Batch B National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) have tested positive for coronavirus.
Mr Boss Mustapha– The Chairman of the PTF on Covid-19 – had informed the public during Tuesday’s briefing at Abuja.
The Chairman who spoke extensively, explained that the PTF had conducted tests on 35,419 Batch B corps members using RDTs with 731 returning positive; higher than Batch A positive cases of 108.
“It is on record that cases were recorded from corps members from every state of the federation,” he stated.
He also touched on the rising number of daily cases; in close figures with that of South Africa, and spoke on the need for surveillance due to increased infections among health care workers.
“As at date, 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,” he explained.
The Chairman further spoke, “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.
”Furthermore, approval has been given to rehabilitate five oxygen plants across various tertiary health institutions in Abuja. The President has also approved that at least one oxygen plant should be established in each state of the federation immediately,” he stated.
“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.
The PTF also announced its commencement of sanctions, on passengers who defaulted on day-7 post arrival tests.
“Their passport numbers have been published and travel restriction imposed for a period of six months effective from Jan. 1, 2021.
“The PTF has generated over 20,000 inbound passengers that have also defaulted. The publication will continue weekly till it is exhausted.
“Nigerians should be aware that every defaulter is a threat to public health which is unacceptable to us and represents a draw back to the National Response. We have a duty to advise our relations, friends, associates to comply with laid down rules”.
