FG wants states to ramp up COVID-19 tests

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has challenged state governments to ramp up testing noting that Nigeria’s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) had steadily continued to decline the last four months due to low sample collection.

Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who disclosed this at a daily briefing also lamented that the country crossed the 1,000 fatality mark over the weekend, noting that this should be a reminder of the dangers facing humanity.

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“The PTF has however continued to study the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) and we note that it has been on a steady decline over the last few months: ​April 30: 3%; ​May 31: 2.8%; ​June 30: 2.3%;
​July 31: 2.0%; and ​August 22: 1.92%.

“We are however convinced that our sample collection is still low.

We therefore encourage States to ramp up their testing and to declare correct results because early detection will ultimately translate to treatment and ultimately leveling of the curve.

“Last week Thursday, we informed you that Nigeria had crossed the 50,000 mark of confirmed cases.

“On Sunday, 23rd August, we reached the unenviable record of 1,000 fatalities.

“We wish to restate that these records are not just numbers as they vividly remind us of the dangers that we still face.

“May the souls of all those that have lost the battle against CVID-19 rest in peace”, he said.

He also expressed the PTF’s solidarity with the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who disclosed on Monday morning of his positive test for COVID-19

“​This morning we received the unfortunate news of the positive status of Prof. Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health.

“This has saddened the PTF as the Commissioner has been foremost in the fight against COVID-19.

“We wish him and all other frontline workers that have risked their lives but contracted the virus in the process, safe and speedy recovery,” he said.