With the surging 3rd wave of Covid-19 in Lagos and around the country I implore all our people to be more vigilant and still adhere to all safety protocols as we recorded 30 Covid related deaths in the last 6 days.
The rise in the number of Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related fatalities recorded in last one week presents a worrying trend of the third wave of the pandemic.
From the last week in July into the present month, the positivity rate in Lagos rose to 8.9% with frightening figures of hospitalizations and fatalities.
There has been an eight-fold increase in the infection rate in Lagos, resulting in 4,300 confirmed cases in July alone, while 352 patients were admitted into the state-run isolation facilities.
Let me make it clear that this necessary sense of alarm should not be responded to with panic, but with firm resolve and a determination to reverse the trend. We must dig deep into what we have learnt from the previous waves, as well as summon the will to do everything necessary to bring down the numbers and eventually defeat the virus once and for all.
We have done it before and we can do it again.
Let me also add that we have a low vaccination rate in the State. 161,040 out of the 404,414 residents who got the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine administered in March did not return for their second doses.
As the epicentre of the pandemic, Lagos would soon be receiving a sizeable allocation of the single-dosed Moderna vaccine already delivered to the Federal Government. I appeal to residents who have not received any dose of the previous vaccine to come out and get vaccinated as they will be able to get a single jab of the Moderna vaccine when the distribution starts.
Please note that the Moderna vaccine cannot be mixed with AstraZeneca. This is very important. For people who have already taken the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, you cannot mix it with the Moderna vaccine that has just been received.
We are still expecting a second allocation of AstraZeneca vaccine before the end of August to vaccinate those who are yet to get the second shot.
Let’s all work together to ensure this third wave is quelled quickly and appropriately by making sure we are vigilant and we do not let go of all the safety precautions necessary to stop the spread of the virus.
