The spread of novel Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria continues to record increases as the latest statistics provided by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reveal Nigeria now has 57,145 confirmed cases.

On the 19th of September 2020, 189 new confirmed cases and 1 death was recorded in Nigeria, having carried out a total daily test of 2,609 samples across the country.

To date, 57,145 cases have been confirmed, 48,431 cases have been discharged and 1095 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. A total of 482,321  tests have been carried out as of September 19th, 2020 compared to 479,712 tests a day earlier.

COVID-19 Case Updates- 19th September 2020,

• Total Number of Cases – 57,145
• Total Number Discharged – 48,431
• Total Deaths – 1,095
• Total Tests Carried out – 482,321

According to the NCDC, the 189 new cases were reported from 15 states- Lagos (70), Plateau (37), FCT (24), Kaduna (19), Rivers (12), Oyo (5), Ogun (4), Ebonyi (3), Katsina (3), Ondo (3), Osun (3), Imo (2), Yobe (2), Ekiti (1), Nasarawa (1).

Meanwhile, the latest numbers bring Lagos state total confirmed cases to 18,897, followed by Abuja (5,550), Oyo (3,231), Plateau (3,229), Edo (2,611), Kaduna (2,345), Rivers (2,232), Delta (1,799), Ogun (1,762), Kano (1,734), Ondo (1,597), Enugu (1,234), Ebonyi (1,038), Kwara (1,013), Abia (881), Katsina (848), Osun (813), Gombe (799), Borno (741), and Bauchi (689).

Imo State has recorded 559 cases, Benue (473), Nasarawa (448), Bayelsa (394),  Jigawa (322), Ekiti (314), Akwa Ibom (288), Niger (250), Anambra (232), Adamawa (230), Sokoto (161), Taraba (95), Kebbi (93), Cross River (85), Zamfara (78), Yobe (75), while Kogi state has recorded 5 cases only.

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Lock Down and Curfew

In a move to combat the spread of the pandemic disease, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days, which took effect from 11 pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.

The movement restriction, which was extended by another two-weeks period, has been partially put on hold with some businesses commencing operations from May 4. On April 27th, 2020, Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari declared an overnight curfew from 8 pm to 6 am across the country, as part of new measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19. This comes along with the phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos, and Ogun States, which took effect from Saturday, 2nd May 2020, at 9 am.

On Monday, 29th June 2020 the federal government extended the second phase of the eased lockdown by 4 weeks and approved interstate movement outside curfew hours with effect from July 1, 2020. Also, on Monday 27th July 2020, the federal government extended the second phase of eased lockdown by an additional one week.

On Thursday, 6th August 2020 the federal government through the secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 announced the extension of the second phase of eased lockdown by another four (4) weeks.

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The Lagos State Government has announced the reopening of cinemas, gyms, and other recreational centres in the state.

According to a monitored media report, the disclosure was made by the Lagos State Government, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a press briefing at the Statehouse, Marina on Saturday, September 19, 2020.

The governor said, they are however expected to operate at just 33% of their capacity, which is a third of their capacity, and must comply with all safety measures.

He, however, said that other sectors of the economy such as bars, night clubs, spas, public parks, event centres, and such others are to remain closed until October when the state government will make pronouncement concerning their reopening.

The Governor said, “Henceforth, cinemas and gyms are permitted to reopen as soon as possible, with a maximum of 33% occupancy, which means that there must be a minimum of two empty seats between occupied seats; and in the case of gyms, there must be constant disinfection of machines and equipment throughout the course of the day.’’

Sanwo-Olu said that it has become inevitable for Nigerians to apply caution as some other parts of the world have witnessed a resurgence of the coronavirus disease with a possibility of further lockdowns.

He warned, “Let me make it clear that if we do not continue to maintain our guard, and sustain the adherence to all required protocols and guidelines, we will find ourselves in a situation where fresh lockdowns are inevitable. The only way to avoid this is to continue to act responsibly: maintain the required levels of hygiene, through regular handwashing and use of sanitizers, wear masks in all public places, avoid non-essential public gatherings, and maintain the prescribed levels of physical distancing at all times”

The Lagos State Government has announced the approval of churches and mosques to resume full services in the state. This disclosure was made by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a press briefing on Saturday, September 19, 2020, in Lagos.

According to a monitored media report, the government said mosques can hold their prayers 5 times daily, while churches can also resume weekly services. This is against the initial announcement, where worship centres were restricted to just one gathering weekly, after they were allowed to reopen on August 7, 2020, following the lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Sanwo-Olu, however, warned that all safety protocols that had been announced by the government must be strictly adhered to.

Details later….