Lagos State has become the first state in the country to construct isolation centres to prevent persons infected with Coronavirus from infecting others.
The state government has stepped up measures to contain the spread of the virus by converting the National Stadium into an isolation centre, a move that would help the state prepare for worst case scenarios.
Cases of the coronavirus is on a daily increase in the country and currently stands at 65 confirmed cases, with 44 cases, Lagos remained the state with the highest number of cases in the country.
For a breakdown of cases by states in real-time, Lagos now has 44 cases; FCT- 12; Ogun- three; Ekiti- one; Oyo- one; Edo- one; Bauchi- one; Osun- one; Rivers – one.
Meanwhile, the National coordinator, Presidential Task Force on Covid 19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, has warned that a complete lockdown of the country is imminent.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
We just ended another meeting of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19. Today marked the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Taskforce National Pandemic Response Centre. I think it is important to let us know that the country is about to witness turbulent times induced by the pandemic coronavirus. We may soon be hard hit. The reason for this is that, we, I mean the Nigerian Government, delayed in taking proactive action at the onset.
However, I can assure us that the government is serious about taking necessary steps to curtail the level of casualties. Well coordinated measures are about to be put in place from a broad, diverse spectrum. All the necessary Working Groups have been inaugurated today.
International bodies such as WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, CDC, World Bank, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, as well as the private sector, civil society groups are partnering the Taskforce, providing technical and financial assistance and support. Donations are quite streaming in. From Global Fund we got $33m, another $3.3m came from another body I cannot give the name immediately. Max Air donated $200,000, the Chinese firm, Huawei, doled out #100m.
There are a number of other handsome donations. We have been holding these meetings with some foreign experts. In the next few days, more concrete action will become manifest. All relevant institutions are being mobilized for action to tackle the scourge. The taskforce is also galvanizing the State Governments to ensure there is effective collaboration and cooperation.
More importantly, the purpose of this message is to give us the privileged information that a complete lockdown of the country is imminent. Soon, very soon, perhaps, this weekend, this will take effect and may last for at least 14 days.
Therefore, I advise us to immediately make adequate arrangements for our families. Thank you and may God Almighty help Nigeria and Nigerians in these trying moments.
Remain blessed.
