… Warns States Against Reopening Schools In Their Domain
Williams Anuku
Despite spike in reported cases of Coronavirus infections in the country, the Federal Government has advised citizens to remain calm as there was no cause for alarm.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Boss Mustapha gave the assurance on Monday, while briefing stakeholders on update of the virus.
He however criticized Nigerians for flouting the safety guidelines outlined by the Committee, stressing that monitoring and surveillance of compliance across the nation, showed an escalation of the level of non-compliance with simple measure to keep social distancing, wearing of masks in public places, sanitation and hygiene.
According to the PTF chairman, disregard for the safety measures is more prevalent in markets, motor parks and some places of worship.
Boss noted that for President Muhammadu Buhari to dedicate fifteen paragraphs in his nationwide broadcast on Friday, last week to speak on the impact of the virus should underscore the importance and need for Nigerians to adhere to safety guidelines.
His words, “You will all recall that Mr. President in his broadcast on Friday, 12th June, 2020, admonished all Nigerians that “notwithstanding our aspirations, humanity and indeed democracy is under the threat of COVID-19.
” Nigeria has survived many crises before and came out stronger. I am confident that by God’s grace we shall overcome this one and emerge stronger and more purposeful.
“Mr. President’s concern about the impact of COVID-19 is underscored by the fact that 15 paragraphs of his broadcast were dedicated to COVID-19 issues.
“This buttresses the fact that the virus is very deadly and everyone must make conscious effort to stop the spread by adhering to the guidelines and measures prescribed by the PTF.
“In the course of our monitoring and surveillance of compliance across the nation, we have observed an escalation of the level of non-compliance with simple measure to keep social distancing, wearing of masks in public places, sanitation and hygiene.
“This is more prevalent in markets, motor parks and some places of worship. I wish to remind you that the PTF has already issued guidelines for mode of operations at places of worship and urge state Governments to ensure strict compliance with PTF guidelines.
“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.
“Over the last couple of days, you must have observed that the daily figures of confirmed cases have been on the rise. This is an indication that we are conducting more tests across the country and that we are fully in the community spread phase. We however urge Nigerians not to panic but to cooperate with public health officials especially where community testing is on-going”.
On protest over continued lockdown of schools, the PTF insisted that it was not yet safe for academic work to begin, warning state governments not to dare counter the existing directives.
“The PTF appeals to State governments to embark on wider community testing, enforce rules on social distancing, step up community engagement and risk communication and pay attention to places of large gatherings. We also appeal to the security agencies to enforce the ban on inter-state travels very strictly.
“We have received reports that some states are contemplating the reopening of schools, television viewing centres, sports stadium 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 guideline should still be complied with while considering decision of this nature, “he stated.
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