The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, has made a shocking revelation about the latest development in Nigeria.

According to Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, PTF, one out of every five persons tested within the passing week, turned out positive for the virus.

Mustapha further pointed out that Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, Algeria, and Kenya are now the epicentres of COVID-19 in the continent, accounting for 76% of all cases in the African region.

Mustapha, who doubles as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, further explained that Nigeria has moved up to the third position in the highest cumulative caseload.

He said the country remains second for new cases and fifth highest in cumulative deaths in the World Health Organisation, WHO African region.

For these reasons, Mustapha called on all segments of society to get involved in risk communication and community engagement.

He also shared positive news about vaccines, assuring the people that the Presidential Task Force will ensure that the vaccines to be approved will be safe and effective.

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Mustapha said: ''We must, however, work together as foot soldiers in the vaccine advocacy so that we can eliminate the pandemic.''

He said that the success of the PTF national response shall not depend on vaccines alone, insisting that compliance with the non-pharmaceutical protocols must remain top on individual priorities of all Nigerians.

The PTF Chairman reminded the people that the COVID-19 is raging, noting that all tiers of government and citizens must keep their hands-on-deck.

He added: “We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood.

“We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received. We must do everything possible to avoid the second lockdown in Nigeria.''

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on Tuesday reported 1,617 new cases of COVID-19 in the country, with Lagos high on the list with 776 positive cases.

Kaduna, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory also recorded high numbers with the agency announcing, 147, 131 and 102 respectively.

The country now has a total of 112,004 confirmed cases, 89,939 discharged patients and 1,449 deaths.