"Late Reporting Caused Most Coronavirus Deaths" - PTF

Dr Osagie Ehanire

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) has disclosed that most of the deaths caused by coronavirus recorded in the country was as a result of reporting late for treatment.

Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire who said this during the briefing of the PTF on COVID-19 in Abuja, stated that some late Coronavirus patients reported to health facilities when their conditions had worsened.

Ehanire said;

“As of this morning, the Federal Ministry of Health has recorded 56,604 covid-19 positive cases out of a total of 482,321 samples tested, giving a positivity rate of 11.7 per cent.  47,872 persons have been treated and discharged, but we have sadly lost 1,091 persons to the disease.

“Our objective is still to lower the case fatality rate to less than one per cent, but an additional challenge we have observed is that most fatalities are among those reporting late for treatment, when their clinical condition has worsened.

“The delay in deciding whether or when to go for treatment is what we must fight. I, therefore, renew my plea to all those who test positive, are 60 years or older and have underlying health conditions, to report immediately to a treatment facility.”

The Minister also called on members of Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) “to put the plight, safety and wellbeing of their patients into consideration, and to call off the ongoing strike, while differences are being addressed by negotiation”.