The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has revealed that 731 members of Batch B National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members have tested positive for COVID-19.
Mustapha made this known at the national briefing on COVID-19 on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the PTF conducted the testing of batch B corps members using RDTs, and that out of the 35,419 corps members in Batch B, 731 tested positive for the virus, compared to the 108 recorded in Batch A.
“It is on record that cases were recorded from corps members from every state of the federation.”
“there is also a rising rate of infections among healthcare workers and this calls for the escalation of surveillance.
“In Africa, Nigeria has joined South Africa in reporting the highest daily infection cases.
“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.
“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 centers 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,” Mustapha said.
On the vaccines, the PTF boss said, “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 and disinformation.”
