Nigeria confirms 1,444 COVID-19 cases as schools reopen

ANKARA

Nigeria confirmed over 1,400 new coronavirus cases as schools resumed on Monday amid calls for parents not to send their children for learning.

As many as 1,444 more infections, and 15 related deaths were registered over the last 24 hours, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The new numbers pushed the tally to 110,387 cases, 1,435 deaths and 89,317 recoveries across 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Nigeria, which is Africa's most populous country, has been unable to control the recent surge in COVID-19 cases. A record 1,867 infections were confirmed on Jan. 15.

Meanwhile, the NCDC reminded school administrations to ensure temperature checks at entry points, compulsory use of a face mask, provision of hand-washing facilities and that classrooms are well ventilated.

In a statement on Jan. 14, the Federal Education Ministry said the proposed date of school resumption – Jan. 18 – will not change.

Olusegun Bamgbose, the national coordinator for Concerned Advocates for Good Governance, a non-profit, warned parents against sending their children to school, according to the Daily Post newspaper.

Bamgbose said the decision to reopen schools at this point when the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing on a daily basis is a big risk.