100 Days after Index Case: FG Targets Molecular Labs in 36 States, FCT

NCDC confirms 389 new cases, raising tally to 12,233, discharges 3,826, deaths, 342 Lagos records three days consecutive decline in new cases, discharges 42 Inter-states travel ban crippling hotels, other businesses, proprietors cry out

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

One hundred days after Nigeria's index case, an Italian man, was discovered in the country, the federal government has said it is targeting at least one standard infectious disease laboratory in each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This is as the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has confirmed 389 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, with tally now 12,233, while discharges are at 3,826 and deaths, 342. Notably, Lagos in the last three days has recorded consistent decline in new cases. Yesterday NCDC confirmed 66 new cases in the state against 121 recorded on Friday. While the state government announced discharge of 42 recovered patients, 31 males, 11 females.

It is not certain whether this is an indication of flattening of the curve.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, made this disclosure on Saturday during a visit to the National Reference Laboratory in Gaduwa, Abuja.

The visit was, however, part of the federal government’s activities to mark the 100 days since the country recorded its index case of COVID-19 with an Italian in Lagos.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government