The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned Nigerians to mark this year’s Valentine day with caution.
The health agency’s warning follows a surge in coronavirus cases in Africa’s most populous nation.
Nigeria, on Friday, recorded 1,005 new infections and 24 deaths.
The NCDC which disclosed this on its Twitter handle, said the new COVID-19 cases were recorded in 18 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
It added that the number of COVID-19 fatalities in Nigeria stood at 1,734 as of Friday night.
Also, the total number of confirmed cases increased to 144,521.
However, Nigeria has recorded 118,866 recoveries since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country last year.
The breakdown of the figure on a state-by-state basis revealed the following: Lagos (204), Kwara (155), Oyo (124), Plateau (80), FCT (75), Edo (56), Osun (48), Ondo (41), Kaduna (40), and Rivers (40).
Others are – Taraba (35), Borno (32), Ekiti (21), Ogun (20), Kano (14), Bayelsa (8), Delta (7), Bauchi (3), and Jigawa (2).
“Total confirmed COVID-19 cases: 144,521.
“Discharged: 118,866 AND Deaths: 1,734.”
NCDC Director General, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, urged Nigerians to be cautious on Sunday.
He said, “While we recognise that people want to celebrate Valentine’s Day, we caution that they must do so safely. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in several ways, especially our physical and social interactions.
“We appreciate that the public health measures in place to contain the spread of the virus may be difficult, as it requires a change in people’s lifestyle. However, these are steps that must be taken to reduce the risk of spread of the disease.
“We urge Nigerians to think of every decision they make in celebrating as one that could contribute to life or death. Sadly, over 1,600 people in Nigeria have died from COVID-19 (as at Wednesday, February 10). Please, avoid large gatherings, especially if indoors, and take responsibility to protect yourself and those around you.
“NCDC continues to work with relevant government institutions and all states under the leadership of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19; we encourage Nigerians to continue to take the necessary measures to themselves and our country.”
