Nigeria Records 604 New COVID-19 Infections, 20 Deaths

Despite the measures put in place to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19, Nigeria has continued to report an increasing number of infections.

On Thursday night, Nigeria recorded 604 new COVID-19 cases with the total infections rising to 38,948. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known via its official Twitter handle.

In its latest update, the health agency revealed that the new cases were reported across 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

NCDC also announced the discharge of 246 patients from isolation centers across the country with 20 new deaths reported.

Lagos state, the epicentre of the virus in country recorded the highest number of confirmed cases with 203 new infection taking the total number of cases in Lagos to 14,009

According to the breakdown released on Thursday by NCDC, Lagos, Oyo, FCT, Edo and Osun recorded the highest number of COVID-19 infections with 203, 87, 79, 41, and 35 cases respectively.

Other states in new cases are: Ogun-24, Rivers-22, Kaduna-22, Akwa Ibom-20, Plateau-18, Delta-9, Ebonyi-9, Imo-8, Enugu-5, Kano-5, Cross, River-5, Katsina-4, Nasarawa-3, Borno-2, Ekiti-2 and Bauchi-1.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has conducted about 251,893 tests since the first confirmed case relating to the COVID-19 pandemic was announced.

On the 23rd of July 2020, 604 new confirmed cases and 20 deaths were recorded in Nigeria

Till date, 38,948 cases have been confirmed, 16,061 cases have been discharged and 833 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Note: The 15 deaths reported for Lagos State on 23rd July include previously unreported deaths.

A breakdown of cases by state can be found via https://t.co/zQrpNeOfet#TakeResponsibility pic.twitter.com/O9QsvFjRP5

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) July 23, 2020

Earlier today, during a briefing by members of the task force, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha who also doubles as the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, announced the donation of seven tonnes of hydroxychloroquine to Nigeria by Indian government as part of efforts to help West African combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, the Nigerian government is grateful for the help from the India Government as well as other nations and organisations in the country’s fight against COVID-19.

“The PTF wishes to thank friendly nations and corporate organisations for their continuing support through the donation of medicines and equipment,” the SGF said.

“In this regard, we thank India for the donation of 7-tons of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of patients,” assuring that “the resources will be judiciously utilized.”

Mr Mustapha also expressed hope that as the search for a vaccine for the pandemic continues, there will be equitable distribution, adding that there is ongoing research for a local cure to the virus.

“The message of hope is that the world continues to close its ranks in the search for a vaccine in a manner designed to guarantee rapid, fair, and equitable access worldwide,” the SGF explained.

“Back home, there has been a lot of debate on finding a local cure. While this is a plausible expectation, the PTF, other relevant institutions of government and the private sector working with our partners shall pursue the path of research relentlessly.

“As we have often said, only a well-developed partnership will save humanity.”

July 23, 2020