Nigeria registers 296 new coronavirus cases

ANKARA (AA) - Health authorities in Nigeria on Friday confirmed 296 new cases of the novel coronavirus pandemic and one fatality.

“On the 27th of August 2020, 296 new confirmed cases and 1 death were recorded in Nigeria,” the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said in its latest update.

“Till date, 53,317 cases have been confirmed, 40,726 cases have been discharged and 1,011 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” it added.

With over 18,000 infections, the commercial capital Lagos remains Nigeria’s worst-hit city. It is followed by the Federal Capital Territory, which includes the capital Abuja, with more than 5,000 cases, and the southwestern Oyo State with more than 3,000 cases.

On Thursday, Nigeria announced it would resume international flights starting Sept. 5 as it registers new cases of the COVID-19.

Nigeria had previously said it would resume international flights "anytime" from Aug. 29.

Incoming passengers to the country are required to carry a document that certifies they tested negative for the virus.

Since originating in Wuhan, China last December, COVID-19 has claimed more than 831,800 lives in 188 countries and regions.

Over 24.46 million cases have been reported worldwide, while more than 16 million patients have recovered, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University.