Confirmed coronavirus cases in Nigeria now 276

…as NCDC announces 22 fresh cases

Aaleyah Omotola

Coronavirus pandemic, which has killed six people so far has now been extended to 276 confirmed cases in Nigeria, with 22 fresh cases announced on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said that the total number of cases in the country has increased from 254 on Tuesday evening to 276 late Wednesday evening.

Again, Lagos tops the affected states, as 15 new cases were recorded, four in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), two in Bauchi, while Edo State recorded one case.

Although, from 276 total confirmed cases, 44 patients of the virus have been treated and discharged while six have died.

The NCDC on its Twitter handle said, “As at 09:00 pm 8th April there are 276 confirmed cases, 44 discharged and six deaths, the NCDC tweeted at about 9.01 PM For more info- http://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng,” A breakdown of the cases reported in the country show that Lagos is still the epicentre for the outbreak in the country.

The breakdown of the total confirmed cases in the country shows that Lagos State recorded the highest figure of 145 cases, FCT – 54, Osun – 20, Oyo – 11, Edo – 12, Bauchi – 8, Akwa Ibom – 5, Kaduna – 5, Ogun – 4, Enugu – 2, Ekiti – 2, Rivers – 2, Benue- 1, Ondo- 1, Kwara – 2, Delta – 1 and Katsina – 1

It is, however, worthy of note that the government has intensified contact tracing to contain the spread of the disease.

In view of this development, Nigerians have been advised to obey the lockdown directive issued by the government especially in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun state.

According to Minister of State for Health, Olorunnimbe Mamora reminded Nigerians that coronavirus is an extremely dangerous pathogen, which spreads very easily.

He said it is not advisable to accept patients with coronavirus symptoms for treatment at their hospitals. Such patients should be referred to the relevant treatment centres.

**Chinese doctors who arrived in Nigeria on Wednesday**

Meanwhile, the most awaited Chinese doctors on Wednesday arrived in Nigeria to share their experience after making progress in the fight against COVID-19 in their country.

The 14 man team, also, brought some medical equipment to assist Nigeria with 276 confirmed cases battle the disease, officials said.