#COVID19: Nigeria Records 505 New Cases Amidst Delta Variant Surge
With less than one per cent of the Nigerian population fully vaccinated, the daily rise in COVID-19 cases is generating concerns in the country as Doctors' strike continues.
Nigeria has reported a high daily tally of 505 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and three deaths amidst a surge of the highly contagious Delta variant.
According to an update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday night, Aug. 3, the new infections brought total cases to 175,264, an 85 per cent increase in just one month when compared with the 71 cases recorded on July 3.
The country’s total COVID-19 fatalities is now 2,163.
Lagos State in the Southwest region is the epicentre of the pandemic, accounting for 275 new infections on Tuesday, followed by Rivers State (63), Akwa Ibom (62), Gombe (22), Ogun (8), Federal Capital Territory (4), Edo (3) and Imo (2).
Kano, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Ebonyi states record one case each.
The sharp uptick in the infections started mid-July after the first case of the Delta variant, which originated from India, was recorded in Lagos, a major entry point into the country.
Nigeria has tested over 2.4 million samples out of its estimated 200 million population.
According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria has administered 3.94 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far, with 2.5 persons receiving at least one dose. While less than one per cent of its 200 million population has been fully vaccinated – 1.4 million.
The NCDC has advised Nigerians to take the COVID-19 prevention protocols seriously.
“Take Responsibility- wear a facemask in public spaces, maintain physical distancing and practice hand and respiratory hygiene to protect yourself and loved ones,” NCDC stated.
There are fears that the ongoing resident doctors’ strike may complicate response to the COVID-19 situation.
The doctors went on strike Monday, Aug. 2 over irregular pay, insurance benefits, and poor facilities, demanding better working conditions.
“We are asking the government to pay insurance benefits of 19 of our members who have died in the line of duty,” Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) said.
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