* NCDC Completes Tour Of 9 States
As the Covid-19 infections rate continues to rise on a daily basis, nationwide, there are uncertainties whether President Muhammadu Buhari may give further directives, extending the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun States, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
These fears were further heightened on Thursday, as the Director General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control NCDC, and representatives of the World Health Organisation WHO just concluded a tour of nine states of the federation where the virus is taking root.
Our correspondent monitoring the daily briefing sessions of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 in Abuja on Thursday, learnt that at the moment, both the NCDC and WHO teams are compiling their reports from the nine states visited, following which they would make appropriate recommendations to the President, Muhammadu Buhari to guide him on further actions.
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation who doubles as the PTF Chairman, said, “The PTF also continues to monitor and modify the strategy as developments unfold. Our assessment of the impact of the Lockdown is still ongoing and I wish to confirm to you that the DG NCDC and WHO Representative have returned from their tour of nine (9) states and their report is being evaluated preparatory to our recommendations to Mr. President”.
Recall that no fewer than 873 Covid-19 cases have been reported across 25 states and the FCT with 197 discharges and 28 fatalities.
The situation in some states like Kano and Edo where the virus have been reported have continued to baffle the PTF, prompting them to be listed as high burden states.
“The PTF notes that the number of cases reported have risen to 873 across 25 states and the FCT with 197 discharges and 28 fatalities. I have mentioned these numbers in order to underscore the need for citizens to comply with advisories strictly so that we can slowdown the spread of the virus. These advisories still remain the most effective way of flattening the curve.
“The situation in Kano is still being assessed and monitored closely. Based on preliminary findings, the PTF has directed the NCDC to send an enhanced support team, mobilize resources for contact tracing and immediately ensure that necessary steps are taken in conjunction with State Government to contain the spread of the pandemic in Kano and stop the city from becoming the next epicenter, “Mustapha noted.
The PTF however accused some private hospitals which are undertaking treatment of patients of the virus of flouting the laid down rules, insisting that they must obtain clearance and certification from the Ministry of Health before they can undertake such treatments.
Recall that Daily Independent had previously reported that the Federal Government was considering enlisting private hospitals in the treatment of Covid-19 as a way of reducing the burden on designated Isolation Centres.
He said, “the PTF views with some measure of concern the non-compliance by private medical facilities with the directive to seek accreditation before treating COVID-19 related cases. The highly infectious nature of COVID-19 if not well managed in purpose-built facilities and specialists, pose a lot of danger not just to the medical staff in such hospitals but also to other patients and loved ones at home.
“We therefore appeal strongly to operators of private medical facilities wishing to continue to treat COVID-19 cases to apply to the Federal Ministry of Health urgently, for accreditation.
“The issue of stigmatization still persists and it is counter-productive to our efforts. This disease does not discriminate on status, creed, tribe or color and anybody can be infected. It is my humble appeal that once you are infected by this disease, you should immediately report to appropriate medical facilities in your own interest and the interest of your loved ones.
“COVID-19 is not a condition and there is no need to stigmatize anybody. I must remind all of us that over 90% of infected persons recover from this disease. In this regard, I urge all those who have recovered from this disease to tell their stories”.
According to the PTF, they will continue to collaborate with the Governors in the various states and the outcome of the conversation with the NGF will form a critical part of the recommendations to be made to Mr. President in the coming days.
He lauded the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto for endorsing the recommendations of the Emergency Fatwah Committee by directing the Ummah on the suspension of obligatory religious activities during the Ramadan.
He also reiterated the importance of complying with these directives as a major thrust for the control of the spread of this pandemic. I implore all State Governors once again, to apply these directives in their States as they consider measures to be taken. May the Ramadan season be of immense blessings to our nation and the world.
“Finally, what I bring to Nigerians today is the message of hope and the message of strength. I encourage you to comply with all the advisories and to continue to be your brothers’ keeper especially given the unintended impact of the lockdown on the poor, the needy, the aged, the vulnerable, persons living with disabilities and the sick. This is the time to show the essence of the fear of God and love for humanity in us, “he noted.
