Nigeria, on Monday, recorded 356 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 78,790.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this on its official Twitter handle on Monday.
“On the 21st of December 2020, 356 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
“Till date, 78,790 cases have been confirmed, 68,483 cases have been discharged and 1,227 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“The 356 new cases are reported from 15 states- FCT (79), Lagos (59), Kaduna (56), Katsina (37), Nasarawa (30), Kano (25), Edo (18), Gombe (14), Kebbi (12) Akwa Ibom (7), Rivers (7), Sokoto (7), Abia (3), Ogun (1) and Cross River (1),” the NCDC said.
The dramatic slide follows reports that the Federal Government is considering a second nationwide lockdown.
Recall that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had on Monday announced new measures to curtail the second wave of the pandemic.
Among others, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants across the country.
His words, “The PTF has surveyed developments and actions taken by governments around the world, assessed our domestic environment and has, accordingly, submitted its recommendations to Mr. President on immediate measures to be taken.
“Accordingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has authorised the PTF to engage with the states and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.
“In line with the authorisation, the PTF wishes to issue the following advisories to sub-national entities for implementation over the next five weeks because these activities are considered super spreader events:
“Close all bars, nightclubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues; close all restaurants except those providing services to hotel residents, takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed;
“Restrict all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 persons;
“Limit all gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50% capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced, and were more than 50 persons are attending any such events, the gathering should be held outdoors only.”
