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Covid-19: Govt reopens isolation centres, warns of second wave
By Modupe Shodeinde
The Federal Government says due to an increase in recent cases of covid-19 infection, isolation and treatment centres, as well as the workers, are set to reopen.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, also warned of a possible second wave of the pandemic and urged that people be prepared to avert a critical situation.
Speaking during the press conference of the Presidential Task Force on COVID – 19 in Abuja, the minister said, “We are seeing the increase in the number of confirmed COVID – 19 cases in the last few days. Last week, we recorded 1,843 against 1,235 we recorded two weeks before. In the past 24 hours, 474 new confirmed cases and two deaths were recorded.”
He stated that everyone has a role to play in preventing the “explosive spread of this infection in Nigeria.”
“We must prepare for a possible second wave which we must ensure does not get to be worse than what we have seen so far, judging from what we observe in other countries.” Ehanire added.
The minister who noted that the number of deaths had reached 1,184, said the increase in infections stemed from rising community transmission, as well from travellers entering Nigeria, among whom government had recorded 87 positive cases against 59 in the previous week.
According to him, a technical working group led by the National Primary Health Development Agency was working on evaluation of prospective vaccines and Nigeria’s vaccine needs.
He said, “We are working with WHO and GAVI led COVAX facility and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria will access quality vaccines, when they are deployed.”
He however stated that till when the vaccines become available, the best option is for Nigerians is to observe and strictly adhere to Covid-19 preventive measures.
Also, The PTF National Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu, said a committee had been set up to investigate allegations of coronavirus results racketeering.
He said those found guilty of this act, would be punished according to the law.
