Nigeria's virus cases top 42,000, deaths over 870

ANKARA (AA) – Nigeria on Thursday reported 404 new cases and five deaths due to COVID-19.

According to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the nationwide death toll has risen to 873 and the case-count is at 42,208.

Recoveries are at 19,004, it added.

The commercial capital Lagos, Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) and southwestern Oyo state have recorded the most cases.

Meanwhile, authorities in the West African country issued guidelines for the congregational Eid al-Adha prayers set for Friday.

The citizens have been advised to pray outside, wear masks, observe physical distancing and avoid hugs and hand shakes. People above age 60, and those who are sick are asked to stay at home.

The global pandemic has claimed over 661,300 lives in 188 countries and regions since it originated in Wuhan, China last December.

The US, Brazil, Russia and India are currently the worst-hit countries in the world.

More than 16.78 million COVID-19 cases have been reported worldwide, with recoveries exceeding 9.79 million, shows US-based Johns Hopkins University's data.