The authorities of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), have denied recent reports claiming that about 109 corps members and officials of the scheme in different states have tested positive for COVID19.

The scheme made the rebuttal in a statement released on Wednesday, August 5, saying no corps member tested positive for the virus in the 37 NYSC orientation camps nationwide. The statement reads;

''RE; NYSC CAMPS ON RED ALERT AS 109 TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID-19

The attention of NYSC Management has been drawn to the story with the above caption making the rounds in both the mainstream and new media.

Management wishes to state that the caption and body of the story are very misleading.

Management hereby restates that there is no COVID-19 positive Corps Member in any of the 37 NYSC Orientation Camps nationwide.

Please, note that before any Prospective Corps Member is admitted into the 37 camps, they must undergo COVID-19 test. Only those that test negative are admitted, the same rule applies to camp officials. Those that test positive are handed over to the NCDC for treatment and management.

It is pertinent to state that there is a gulf of difference between a Corps Member and a Prospective Corps Member.

One becomes a Corps Member after admittance to the camp, registers and administered the Oath of National Allegiance.

Anyone mobilised for Service, but has not gone through the aforesaid process is not a Corps Member.

Consequently, our partners-in- progress, members of the Fourth Estate of the Realm should kindly take note of this explanation for proper guidance in their reportage.

In view of the foregoing explanation, there is no red alert in NYSC Orientation Camps, as all Corps Members, as well as camp officials admitted in the camps are COVID-19 negative.

Management.''