TheCable

Seven patients receiving treatment for COVID-19 in Abuja have tested negative and are ready to be discharged.

Muhammad Bello, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), broke the news on Tuesday.

“Since the outbreak of the first Covid-19 case in the FCT, I have been kept abreast daily on the condition of the patients. I am delighted to announce that the first set of patients, totaling 7, are ready to be discharged, after their final tests results returned negative,” he said in a statement.

“Also, our dedicated and exceptional medical staff are doing their best to ensure the recovery and discharge of the remaining 39 patients. We cannot thank them enough for their efforts and we will always continue to encourage and support them.

“Let me also remind our residents that the FCTA is fully committed to fighting this Pandemic. We are not sparing any resources at our disposal in ensuring effective containment of the virus, and also in protecting the welfare of our people. And as long as we remain united in this fight, we will surely emerge victorious.”

The minister also said FCT residents have complied with the lockdown ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“This restriction, was necessitated by the need to contain the spread of the virus within our community in order to safeguard lives,” he said.

“The level of compliance from residents, is proof that we all understand the magnitude of the challenge before us and we are ready to come together to fight this enemy, so we can return to our normal way of life as quickly as possible.”

He said as part of measures put in place to address the pandemic, “an emergency call center is fully operational 24/7 on the following numbers: 08099936312, 08099936313 and 112.”

Nigeria has recorded 238 coronavirus cases of which 35 persons have been discharged and five deaths recorded.

Of the 238 cases, Lagos and Abuja have the highest numbers with 120 and 48 respectively.