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The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed five new cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

This brings the total number of confirmed cases to Eight.

The Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire confirmed the cases during a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

He explained that out of the five new cases, three arrived from the United States while two came from the United Kingdom.

“We are still collating information on the travellers; two out of the three from the US are Nigerian, a mother and a 6-week old baby which makes it the youngest COVID-19 patient we have.

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“The third is an American national, who crossed the land border to become the first COVID-19 case not arriving by air. The two cases from the UK are Nigerians”.

The Minister noted that a detailed travel history of each person is being compiled and contacts currently being traced, to identify persons who have recently been in contact with anyone.

“The National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and supported by partners, is supporting response in the states.

“The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health is conducting a risk assessment to help guide decision making.

“We urge citizens not to panic but allow experts in public health to guide response in a calculated, scientific manner. False information and rumour to cause fear and panic must be avoided at such times.

“The COVID-19 cases so far appear to have mild symptoms and are in recovery”.

Dr Ehanire asked Nigerians to protect themselves and their families and continue to take caution as advised.

He said the government will do the needful to protect citizens’ health.