The Presidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19 said Monday that there was the need for Nigerians to do everything possible to avoid a second lockdown as the coronavirus rages across the globe.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Mr Boss Mustapha, said this at a media briefing in Abuja.“Let me remind you that the pandemic is raging and all tiers of Government and citizens must keep their hands-on-deck. We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood.
“We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received. We must do everything possible to avoid a second lockdown in Nigeria,” he said.
He said while many states have gone ahead to authorise school resumption, the Presidential Task Force recommends enforcement of strict adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions by governors of the 36 states of the federation and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).“You will also recall that the PTF had informed you that the resumption of schools nationwide would be reviewed due to rising daily numbers of infections and the challenges of case management especially the shortage of oxygen so that we do not allow our facilities to be overwhelmed.“While we note that several states have proceeded with the resumption of schools, the PTF recommends strongly that very strict adherence to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions should be enforced by the States to avoid the escalation of cases.
“The PTF will continue to dialogue with the Governors and the Federal Ministry of Education to closely monitor the situation,” he said.
He said the Presidential Task Force has authorised the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to immediately implement the 450 tests per local government plan nationwide. “We are aware that states are not on the same pedestal in the area of testing and we shall begin with States that are in the forefront of resourcing and infrastructure.“The PTF wishes to emphasise the need for all segments of the society to get involved in the risk communication and community engagement.
“In our continued collaboration with the religious and traditional rulers, we align with the statements issued by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) guiding the sick and the elderly on the need to avoid large gatherings by staying at home. We are optimistic that other institutions will follow suit as we progress,” he said.
