…As NCDC confirms 123 new cases
The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on Covid-19 has put six States and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja on red alert, to ensure a safe and healthy nationwide Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The PSC Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said this in a statement made available at the weekend, in Abuja.
Mustapha said that the red alert was part of the preventive measures against a third wave of the pandemic and the rising number of infections and hospitalisation in the country, adding that the action followed the confirmation of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in some parts of the country.
He listed the affected States as Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano and Plateau as well as the FCT.
The PSC, however, warned all States of the federation to heighten their state of preparedness and continue to enforce all protocols put in place, given the greater ease of spread of the Delta variant.
He said the steps were critical as there were worrisome early signs of increasing cases in the country.
In the light of the latest development, the PSC, has recommended for safe Eid-el-Kabir celebration, preventive measures such as decentralisation of Eid prayer to neighbourhoods, Friday prayer mosques (outdoor); suspension of Durbar activities and observation of limitations on all indoor gatherings.
It reminded Nigerians and all residents to ensure they stay safe at all times.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) yesterday announced that the country recorded 123 new cases of Covid-19 bringing the total number of persons who have tested positive in the country to 169,329.
According to NCDC via its website, “The 123 new cases are reported from 8 states- Lagos (70), Akwa Ibom (18), Ogun (10), Oyo (8), Rivers (8), Ekiti (4), FCT (4) and Bayelsa (1)”.
The NCDC also added that as of 17 July, 169,329 cases had been confirmed, 164,672 cases treated and discharged, while 2,126 deaths were recorded.
