By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus (Covid-19) Pandemic has called on three remaining states yet to record the dreaded disease to conduct tests without delay to ascertain the true health of their citizens.
This call was made today (Monday) in Abuja by the Director General of Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chike Ihekweazu at the daily press briefing.
He said that it is not a thing of joy that three states namely Kogi, Nasarawa and Yobe states have not reported any Covid-19 incidents, pointing out that the earlier the states start testing to ascertain the true position of things the better.
Dr. Ihekweazu warned the states of the danger of basking in the euphoria of false claim of being “Covid-19 free states” only for the pandemic to hit them hard at the later stage.
The PTF member also disclosed that there are no fewer than 15 Covid-19 laboratories in Nigeria as at Monday, April 27, 2020, adding that a private health facility, 54G has been certified to join in the testing of samples
“I am happy to announce today (Monday) that a private setup called 54G has been certified to undertake testing in Lagos and Ogun states and by next week they will start testing in Kano state”, Dr. Ihekweazu revealed at the press briefing.
He also stated that “Nigeria now has alot of capacity to test persons
but the problem at the moment is to get samples to test”, hence the need to ramp up testing.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora hinted that government has since engaged Traditional, Religious leaders; Civil Society, etc to take the message of Covid-19 pandemic across the nation.
Also, he used the briefing to disclose measures Federal Government has taken to support the frontline health workers such
Hazard Allowance and a 40% Consolidated Allowance among others.
