Nigeria confirms 571 new coronavirus cases

By Felix Tih

ANKARA (AA) - Nigeria confirmed on Monday 571 new coronavirus cases, pushing the national tally to 32,558.

“On the 12th of July 2020, 571 new confirmed cases and 16 deaths were recorded in Nigeria,” the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in its latest update.

“Till date, 32,558 cases have been confirmed, 13,447 cases have been discharged and 740 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory."

According to the NCDC, the most affected states are Lagos with 12,427 infections and 172 deaths, FCT with 2,576 infections and 38 deaths, and Edo with 1,731 infections and 57 deaths.

The West African nation of 200 million people is struggling to tackle the outbreak because of its poor healthcare system.

The government eased virus restrictions on June 30 by permitting inter-state travel. Domestic flights resumed a week later.

It also allowed some pupils to return to school and places of worship to reopen.

The current nationwide curfew, 10 p.m. – 4 a.m., and restrictions on mass gatherings and sporting activities, however, still remain in effect. Use of masks in public spaces is also mandatory.