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COVID-19: Don’t Allow Third Wave – FG Begs Nigerians

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The Federal Government has advised Nigerians to adhere to all measures to prevent another wave of COVID-19 in the country ahead of this year’s Eid-il-Fitri celebration.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, made this call at the briefing of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 in Abuja, on Monday.

Ehanire noted that reports from India and other affected countries have shown that the third wave which had caused loss of lives, was caused by events related to political campaigns, elections and religious gatherings.

“These contributed greatly to the explosion of cases that India is currently battling with today,” Ehanire said.

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He said as of Monday morning,165,419 COVID-19 cases had been confirmed in Nigeria, out of 1,977,479 samples tested, with 156,297 successfully treated and discharged while a total of 2,065 fatalities have been recorded.

“The case fatality rate has reduced since the beginning of this month, but should not at all be a reason slow down: we should rather increase our commitment to reducing the spread of the disease as well as fatalities therefrom.”

“Although COVID-19 positive cases have continued to drop even with sustained testing, we must remain on our guard. The experience of other countries shows the unpredictability of this disease, such that countries in Asia, such as India, Pakistan and Thailand, have been badly shaken by the enormity of the new wave of infections.”

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He advised Nigerians to avoid mass gatherings and wear masks at all times.

“As we celebrate the Sallah days ahead, let us remember this warning and ensure that we avoid all situations that tempt us to forget COVID-19 preventive measures and life-saving non-pharmaceutical measures.”

“Above all, we must keep our elderly and vulnerable populations safe, by encouraging them to stay indoors and avoid crowded places, wear their face masks, ensure physical distancing and observe appropriate hand hygiene. This is good advice for everyone else.”

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Recall that the Federal Government has re-introduced a nationwide curfew and restriction on mass gatherings in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 in Abuja, the National Incident Manager, Mukhtar Mohammed, said the curfew starts from 12 am to 4 am on Monday, May 10.