FG May extend lockdown to other states, as Osun overtakes Ogun

There are indications that the current lockdown ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari may be extended to other states, following revelations by the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, that Osun has overtaken Ogun state with 9 new cases

According to the latest figures released by NCDC, the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Nigeria rose by 12 additional cases bringing the total figures to 151 , from 139 on Tuesday.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, had on Tuesday, said Federal government health officials were chasing over 5,000 persons who are suspected to have had contacts with those already infected by the dreaded virus.

Read also: NCDC explains who needs to be tested in new guidelines

BusinessDay gathered that the Presidential Task Force on the Corona Virus pandemic, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF , Boss Mustapha, may call for the extension of the lockdown to other states not yet covered by the order.

The PTF COVID-19 team which usually brief the nation daily, has the responsibilities to advise the government on needed actions to halt spread.

The PTF is the Strategic Decision and Coordinating Body for the National Response on COVID 19.

The body was responsible for the development of the National Response Strategy for COVID-19 which is constantly reviewed as dictated by developments.

Corona Virus cases in Nigeria has been traced to have been linked to travelers who returned from high risk countries of China, Europe and the United States of America, as well as Nigerians who had contacts with infected persons

In a bid to control further spread, President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday ordered lockdown of Lagos, Abuja and Ogun which where the high risk States.

Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, had on Wednesday afternoon confirmed the new cases in Osun, Edo and Ekiti state.

Read also: Coronavirus: Nigeria now has 7 functional laboratories

“Twelve new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria; 9 in Osun, 2 in Edo and 1 in Ekiti State

“As at 12:30 pm 1st April there are 151 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria. Nine have been discharged with two deaths.

“As at 12:30 pm 1st April, there are 151 confirmed cases, 9 discharged, 2 deaths,” the tweets @NCDCgov reads.

A breakdown of the cases in Nigeria shows that Lagos has continued to lead with 82 case , while FCT followed with 28.

Osun has now overtaken Ogun with 14 cases, Oyo 8, followed by Ogun with 4, Edo also 4, Kaduna, 3, Enugu- 2, Bauchi- 2, Ekiti- 2, while Rivers and Benue have one each.