THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Monday, revealed that within a space of one week, 75 healthcare workers tested positive for COVID-19
Director-General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, made this known at the national briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in Abuja.
He said, “First, I’ll like to address the increasing number of COVID-19 cases among healthcare workers themselves.
“In the last one week, 75 healthcare workers were infected, but we can reduce this risk.
“For healthcare workers, please maintain a high index of suspicion at all times. We need you alive and well.
“This means that you should suspect COVID-19 in every case you meet, until ruled out. Even, when ruled out, there is still the small risk of infection.
“We are rolling out the use of Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (RDTs) in more health facilities over the next one month, as an additional tool to protect healthcare workers.
“We remain deeply grateful for the efforts and commitment of healthcare workers across the country.”
NCDC, had on Monday night, reported 676 new cases of COVID-19.
“On the 1st of February, 2021, 676 new confirmed cases and 21 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
“Till date, 131,918 cases have been confirmed, 106,275 cases have been discharged and 1,607 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
“The 676 new cases are reported from 19 states- Lagos (227), Rivers (73), Niger (69), Plateau (56), FCT (50), Kano (44), Oyo (43), Ogun (27), Gombe (18), Ondo (15), Enugu (10), Osun (10), Cross River (8), Edo (8), Nasarawa (7), Bauchi (4), Kaduna (3), Ekiti (2), and Zamfara (2)
“A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities,” NCDC said.
