‘10% of COVID-19 cases are below 19 years’ — FG calls for caution as schools reopen

The federal government has warned against flouting COVID-19 safety guidelines during school reopening to avoid a spike in infections.

The federal government had asked school administrators to start preparing for the full reopening of schools after they were shut in March to check the spread of COVID-19.

Speaking on Monday at the presidential task force briefing, Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, said there is growing complacency as the number of infections appears to be reducing.

The minister said records show that 10 percent of all positive cases treated in the country are below the age of 19.

“The daily figures of the past few days seem to show a downward trend in numbers of COVID-19 positive cases as well as fatalities, but we unfortunately cannot afford to rejoice or speak of success, for many reasons,” Ehanire said.

“International news media shows scenes of upsurge in COVID-19 cases, called the 2nd wave in several high income countries, many of which had been thought to have defeated COVID-19 and which now see threat to their health systems. This is a situation we must endeavor to avoid, and for that, all steps must be taken.

“It is important for us to generate national and international confidence in our data by conducting more targeted testing before we draw conclusions. It means that all states and local government areas must cooperate with NCDC by raising sample collection rate, using criteria listed, to increase testing to a desired rate and to report promptly; as we are still far from the target of 2 million tests.

“With regard to COVID-19 and growing complacency, it is important to stress that, even though adults, especially those 60 years and above are more vulnerable, complications do occur in all age groups. Records show that 10% of all positive cases we have treated are below the age of 19 years.

“They are also the same mobile group that can be without symptoms, but can easily spread the disease. Therefore, as schools begin to reopen in some areas, I urge caution and adherence to the protocols and advisories for reopening schools, in order join us to prevent COVID-19 surge.

“As we reopen our economy, it is time for us to take preventive measures even more seriously. I have directed all our hospitals to be alert and watch for unusual increase in number of persons reporting at our hospital as emergency Center.”