Nigeria records 206 new COVID-19 cases

Nigeria has announced additional 206 new COVID-19 cases in the country as total infections from the virus rise to 169,884 as of July 20, 2021.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) made this known on its official website on Wednesday morning.

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The NCDC said the 206 were reported in 10 states: Lagos – 132; Akwa Ibom – 56; Ekiti – 5; Delta – 3; Rivers – 2; Enugu – 2; Jigawa – 2; Katsina – 2; Gombe – 1 and the FCT – 1.

The new figures indicate an increase from the 146 cases announced a day earlier.

It noted that there was no COVID-19 related death on Tuesday while the country’s total fatality stood at 2,128.

The agency disclosed that 23 people, who had recovered from the disease, were discharged from isolation centres across the country.

The NCDC added that to date, 164,733 recoveries were recorded nationwide in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

It added that the nation’s active cases stood at 2,286.

Sallah celebrants flout COVID-19 protocols

Daily Trust reports that there was largely non-compliance with COVID-19 protocols on Tuesday with a large turnout of worshippers at Eid grounds across the country.

Muslim faithful marked the Eid-el-Kabir celebration in Nigeria on Tuesday.

Ahead of events to mark the occasion, the NCDC had issued a public health advisory to members of the public, especially in view of the presence of the deadlier delta variant in the country.

“The virus that causes COVID-19 is more likely to spread when people gather and do not adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures.

“As we celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir, we urge Nigerians to be aware of the high risk of spread of COVID-19.

“We appeal to religious and traditional leaders to ensure adherence to safe practices at mosques, places of worship and other venues, where religious and social gatherings occur,” the NCDC advisory read.

But our reporters, who visited eid grounds and some recreational places in some states, said COVID-19 protocols were observed in the breach.

There was, however, partial compliance in a few places.