The Presidential Task Force (PTF), on the novel Coronavirus pandemic otherwise referred to as ‘COVID-19’ has authorized the NCDC to immediately implement at least 450 tests per LGA nationwide, immediately.
Speaking at the resumed briefing of the PTF in Abuja on Monday, the secretary to the government of the Federation Bose Mustapha disclosed that Nigeria and South Africa is topping the chart in number of COVID-19 cases.
He said, while South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Algeria and Kenya account for 76% of all cases in the region, Nigeria has moved up to third position in highest cumulative case load but remains second for new cases and 5th highest in cumulative deaths on the WHO African region.
While stressing that the PTF will continue to dialogue with the Governors and the Federal Ministry of Education to closely monitor the situation Mustapha recommends very strict adherence to NonPharmaceutical Interventions should be enforced by the States to avoid the escalation of cases.
“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 gathering by staying at home. We are optimistic that other institutions will follow suit as we progress.
“The positive news about vaccines remains high in the ranking of discussions nationwide. Nigerians are assured that the PTF will ensure that the vaccines to be approved will be safe and effective. We must however work together as foot soldiers in the vaccine advocacy so that we can eliminate the pandemic.
“The PTF wishes to emphasise that the success of our national response shall not depend on vaccines alone. Rather, compliance with the non-pharmaceutical protocols must remain top on our individual priorities.
“We are making progress with the Case Management under our National Response. The National Response continues to receive the support of the private sector in the delivery of medical oxygen to the various facilities. At the same time, funds for the rehabilitation of existing oxygen facilities have been released to the various institutions. There is also a process in motion to ensure the construction of at least one oxygen facility in each state”, he said.
