COVID-19: Nigeria records 880 new infections as NCDC sounds alarm

The Nigeria Center for Disease and Prevention Control (NCDC) has sounded the alarm over 880 additional coronavirus infections reported in Nigeria from July 2-8, but no deaths.

The NCDC revealed via its official website on Saturday afternoon, that the country's commercial capital, Lagos State, is the source of the country's latest wave of COVID-19.

Lagos State, the epicenter of the virus, accounted for over 90% of new infections with 750 cases.

The data showed that the new cases had taken the number of infections in Nigeria to 258,517, while the death toll stood at 3,144.

The public health agency said around 4,206 people are still infected with the virus, while a total of 250,388 people have been successfully treated and discharged in the country so far since the February 2020 outbreak.

Besides Lagos State, another breakdown of the latest cases showed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) recorded 45 cases, followed by Rivers with 40 infections.

Delta reported 11 cases, followed by Akwa Ibom-11 Kano-five, Nasarawa-four and Plateau one.

The agency said three states: Abia, Kaduna, and Sokoto reported no cases within the timeframe.

The NCDC said it was based on the current risk of the virus and the need for religious organizations, community leaders and Nigerians in general to take necessary precautions during Eid-el celebrations -Kabir.

He added that the number of weekly cases of COVID-19 has increased worldwide for the third week in a row.

The agency said COVID-19 could cause serious complications in the elderly and people with underlying medical conditions.

"Take extra precautions to stay safe and avoid crowded places.

"Keep a distance from anyone with symptoms of respiratory illness, wash your hands regularly," he advises.

The public health agency said it was committed to keeping citizens healthy.

“We serve even when we are fighting competing public health threats – COVID-19, monkeypox, cholera, etc. Our interest is not in breaking bad news but in providing citizens with the information they need. need to stay safe.

"We are reminded that COVID-19 has not disappeared. I understand the fatigue and the desire to return to a normal life. We can do this while staying safe.

"As we continue to responsibly celebrate and take action to prevent a fifth wave of COVID-19," he said.

ALSO READ: COVID-19: Lagos leads as NCDC confirms 332 new cases

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the long-awaited summer lull in coronavirus cases does not appear to be happening as COVID-19 infections continue to rise across much of the United States .

An earlier increase in cases this year was due to the BA.2 Omicron subvariant. Today, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that two other subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 made up more than 70% of new cases. infections in the country.

These subvariants may partially evade immunity produced by the vaccine and by prior infection, although vaccination still likely protects against severe disease.

Meanwhile, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) said the good news is that vaccines and boosters continue to provide excellent protection against serious illnesses.

NAN recalls that Nigeria was also experiencing an increase in transmission, with the positivity rate increasing steadily from July 2-8.

The NCDC did not report which subvariants accounted for the majority of COVID-19 infections in the country. (NAN)

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