Federal Government Of Nigeria has warned state governments that are on verge of reopening schools to drop whatever plans they had.
This statement was made on Monday by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, as he gave the warning during the PTF press briefing in Abuja.
Mustapha stated that it was not yet safe to reopen schools, television viewing centres, stadiums and other places where large gatherings could take place.
On Monday, Mustapha appealed to state governments to embark on wider community testing and enforce rules on social distancing.
He stated,
“We have received reports that some states are contemplating the reopening of schools, television viewing centres, sports stadiums and other places where large gatherings could take place. The PTF re-emphasises that it is not yet safe to do so and that utmost caution should be exercised. The PTF guidelines should still be complied with while considering decision of this nature.”
“We wish to re-emphasise that all relaxed measures are still subject to review and advisories issued are for personal and public safety purposes. The breach of the ban on inter-state travels is also a point of concern.”
Mustapha also added that the battle against COVID-19 had reached the level of individual and collective responsibility.
Mustapha added:
“The fact that restrictions have been lifted is not a license for carelessness. We may have returned to a new normal but not normal of the past. My appeal as I conclude is that where we heading to,”
The total number of cases in the country would continue to rise only if Nigerians adhere to protocols and guidelines from the Federal Governments, Mustapha said.
Also The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, expressed concern Over patients of Covid-19 who do not seek treatment on time.
He stated that the COVID-19 symptoms could start mildly with slight fever, cough, loss of sense of smell or taste, but suddenly escalate to shortness of breath.
The minister said:
“Lagos State reports that people who delay going to hospital and treating themselves first at home are the majority of victims, some barely making it to the doorstep of the hospital.”
He added that the ministry of health had developed three years response to COVID-19 because the virus isn’t likely to end soon.
Ehanire stated:
“COVID-19, will be with us for a long time. We shall keep learning as we go along. Accordingly, the Ministry of Health has developed a Health Sector Response Plan to cover the next 3 years divided into near, medium and long term. This plan therefore should be able to project into the future for at least three years. No doubt, it will require modification.”
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