Nigeria, on Tuesday, reported 276 new cases of COVID-19 bringing the new tally of confirmed cases in the country to 8, 344, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has announced.

Nigeria recorded one of its highest daily death figures since the beginning of the outbreak as 16 people were reported to have died from the virus on Tuesday, bringing the death figure to 249.

The agency in a late-night tweet on Tuesday said the new cases were reported from 15 states.

NCDC tweeted; "On the 26th of May 2020, 276 new confirmed cases and 16 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.

"Till date, 8344 cases have been confirmed, 2385 cases have been discharged and 249 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The 276 new cases are reported from 15 states- Lagos (161), Rivers (36), Edo (27), Kaduna (19), Nasarawa (10), Oyo (6), Kano (4), Delta (3), Ebonyi (3), Gombe (2), Ogun (1), Ondo (1), Borno (1), Abia (1), Bauchi (1).

Lagos State remains the epicentre of COVID-19 in the country and it also reported the highest daily figure from the virus on Tuesday.

There was an increase in the number of infections reported on Tuesday ( 276) compared to the number reported on Monday (229).

The figures of confirmed cases in the country have been fluctuating in the past few weeks.

So far, Nigeria has tested 46,803 samples with 8,344 confirmed cases with 5,708 active cases, of which 2, 385 infected people have recovered and discharged from the virus, with 249 deaths.

As cases continue to increase, the NCDC has cautioned older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and cancer, to observe all the necessary precautionary measures as they are at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

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It also advised Nigerians to ensure proper hand hygiene, physical distancing, and wearing a mask especially around vulnerable groups.

The agency said face masks are to be used as an additional layer of physical distancing while out for essential services.

“Please remember to avoid mass gatherings including religious services, sporting events & ceremonies,” it added.