The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Sunday recorded 338 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, bringing the total number of infections in Nigeria to 5959.
The NCDC also said that six new patients have been confirmed dead to the virus in the country, bringing the total number of deaths to 182.
According to the health agency, the 338 new cases were confirmed in 18 states six deaths recorded in Nigeria by May 17.
The 338 new cases were reported from 18 states- Lagos(177), Kano(64), FCT(21), Rivers(16), Plateau(14), Oyo(11), Katsina(9), Jigawa(4), Kaduna(4), Abia(3), Bauchi(3), Borno(3),Gombe(2), Akwa Ibom(2), Delta(2), Ondo(1), Kebbi(1), Sokoto(1).
The NCDC stated that no new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
The health agency said that till date, 5959 cases have been confirmed, 4183 Active Cases, 1594 cases have been discharged and 182 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
They also announced the inclusion of the 26th laboratories to the national COVID19 Laboratory Network.
It said that the 26th Laboratory is the Accunalysis Diagnostic Centre, Anambra State.
“For states that do not have a laboratory, samples are transported to the nearest state with a laboratory for testing of COVID-19 and NCDC is working hard to ensure that there is a laboratory for the testing of COVID-19 in each state.
NCDC said that this will enhance access to testing and shorten the time for confirmation of result. Currently, the turnaround time is between 48-96hours.
“Testing conducted through a laboratory within the NCDC network is offered free of charge.
“Where do people go to get tested?
If you are showing known symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you are a close contact of a confirmed case, call your state helpline.
“The state officials will advise on the nearest testing centre or advise if a trained health worker will come to you to collect your sample,” it stated.
NCDC said that it also has created a directory of all state helplines which can be accessed via https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/contact/
It said that one of the most important things Nigerians need to remember while awaiting for their test result is that they need to protect their loved ones.
“While awaiting your results, it is important to self-isolate from friends and family. Practice frequent hand washing; wear a face mask to limit the spread of infection to your loved ones and others; and ensure the home environment is properly and frequently cleaned with disinfectant.
“If you test positive or negative for COVID-19, you must continue to adhere to preventive measures as recommended by the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC,” it advised.
