Nigeria records 338 new cases of COVID-19, total now 5959

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), on Sunday, recorded 338 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number of infections in Nigeria to 5959.

The NCDC also said that six new patients have been confirmed dead as a result of the virus in the country, bringing the total number of deaths to 182.

According to the health agency, the 338 new cases were confirmed in 18 states.

The 338 new cases were reported from: Lagos(177), Kano(64), FCT(21), Rivers(16), Plateau(14), Oyo(11), Katsina(9), Jigawa(4), Kaduna(4), Abia(3), Bauchi(3), Borno(3),Gombe(2), Akwa Ibom(2), Delta(2), Ondo(1), Kebbi(1), Sokoto(1).

The NCDC stated that no new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.

The health agency said that till date, there were 4183 Active Cases while 1594 cases have been discharged.

338 new cases of #COVID19;

177-Lagos
64-Kano
21-FCT
16-Rivers
14-Plateau
11-Oyo
9-Katsina
4-Jigawa
4-Kaduna
3-Abia
3-Bauchi
3-Borno
2-Gombe
2-Akwa Ibom
2-Delta
1-Ondo
1-Kebbi
1-Sokoto

5959 cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria
Discharged: 1594
Deaths: 182 pic.twitter.com/1nC9HjskN3

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) May 17, 2020

A breakdown of cases by state can be found via https://t.co/Z5x7UFXpXd#TakeResponsibility pic.twitter.com/r6NOyQBxi2

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) May 17, 2020

The health agency had announced the inclusion of the 26th laboratories to the national COVID-19 Laboratory Network.

It said that the 26th Laboratory is the Accunalysis Diagnostic Centre, Anambra State.

The health agency said that in progress were Katsina, Kwara and Gombe states which will be added into its National COVID-19 Laboratory Network.

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According to it, for states that do not have a laboratory, samples are transported to the nearest state with a laboratory for testing of COVID-19.

However, the NCDC is working hard to ensure that there is a laboratory for the testing of COVID-19 in each state.

NCDC said that this will enhance access to testing and shorten the time for confirmation of result.

Currently, the turnaround time is between 48-96 hours.

Testing conducted through a laboratory within the NCDC network is offered free of charge.

“Where do people go to get tested? If you are showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you are a close contact of a confirmed case, call your state helpline.

“The state officials will advise on the nearest testing centre or advise if a trained health worker will come to you to collect your sample,” it stated.

NCDC said that it also has created a directory of all state helplines which can be accessed via https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/contact

The health agency said that one of the most important things Nigerians needed to remember while awaiting their test result is the need to protect their loved ones.

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“While awaiting your results, it is important to self-isolate from friends and family.

“Practice frequent hand washing; wear a face mask to limit the spread of infection to your loved ones and others; and ensure the home environment is properly and frequently cleaned with disinfectant.

“If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you must continue to adhere to preventive measures as recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC,” it advised.