Nigeria coronavirus, 38,948 cases; civil servants directed to test

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, as at end of June 2020 was Africa’s third most impacted country only behind South Africa and Egypt.

As Africa’s biggest economy, the federal government has continued to enforce regulations across the board even though most state governments have moved to relax restrictions.

The national response is led by the Presidential Task Force, PTF, led by SGF Boss Mustapha along with a national coordinator and relevant ministers – chief among them, Health, Foreign Affairs and Education ministries. At the heart of the response is the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC.

July 24: 38,948 cases; civil servants directed to test
The federal government has directed civil servants to undergo COVID-19 tests, a local media portal The Cable reported today citing a circular from a permanent secretary, service welfare officer.

The circular said provision has been made at THISDAY Dome in Abuja. The facility is the country’s biggest isolation center for COVID-19 patients.

“I am directed to inform you that the Federal Government has provided facilities for the conduct of COVID 19 tests for civil servants at the ThISDAY Dome, Mohammed Kur Avenue, by Nanet Suites, Central Business District, Abuja (from 10.00 am to 4.00pm daily), as part of efforts to curtail the spread of the disease,” the circular read.

“Accordingly, you are required to notify all staff of the availability of the testing facility, to enable members of staff who experience COVID-19 related symptoms and those wishing to get tested in your MDAs to take advantage of this opportunity.

“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation has also updated the “Guidelines on the Control of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Service-Wide” to address emerging issues in the control of the disease in the work environment. The Guidelines can be accessed on the website of the omce of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (www.ohcsf.gov.ng).

“All Permanent Secretaries are requested to kindly bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of all staff, and ensure that all Parastatals and Agencies under their supervision are notified.”

Confirmed cases = 38,948
Active cases = 22,054
Recoveries = 16,061
Number of deaths = 833