On Thursday, The Presidential Task Force stated that Nigerians should continue to be vigilant as there is a noticeable decline in the spread of coronavirus so as to prevent a second wave of the pandemic.
Laying emphasis on Nigerians being vigilant, he urged Nigerians to continue to adhere to the guidelines laid out especially now that airports and schools are reopening in order to maintain the noticeable decline.
According to Boss Mustapha, PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) stated during his committee’s briefing in Abuja that the country had begun flattening the curve of the spread of the virus.
“Looking back at our national response, using science, data and experience from other countries, we cannot but say that tremendous progress has been made and that we are beginning to notice that the curve is flattening.
“However, as we have always stated, this positive development shall be taken with vigilance and cautious optimism. This is based on the fact that we are convinced that we have not tested enough, we have only recently reopened our international flights and that nations that had opened up their economies have done a re-think following the resurgence of the cases in their countries.”
“Of particular note is the fact that India has crossed the five million cases mark and continues to report the highest daily case load over the past six weeks. These numbers are reminders that point to the need to gird our loins tightly in our national response and build stronger and more unified global collaborative efforts to overcome the virus.
“Again, we reiterate the underlying objectives of the UN General Assembly resolution calling for global collaboration as the most veritable vehicle to fight the virus.”
Boss also speaking on the resumptions of flights said that the PTF is closely watching the new development of resumption but paying attention to passengers and Nigerians.
“PTF regrets all inconveniences experienced by arriving passengers, the overriding public interest is a critical factor propelling the policies.”
Speaking on the issues with Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), he said:
“Before I invite the Honourable Minister of Health, DG-NCDC and the National Coordinator, let me once again send a strong appeal to all health workers particularly, JOHESU members, that the nation can ill-afford any further disruption to its health systems.
“The on-going strike has been very costly in terms of human lives but such losses can be avoided. Government shall continue to do its best to push through the negotiations with the unions and hopefully, reason shall prevail.”
“We have together participated in this national response and also recognised that this year, 2020, has been trying for humanity. This celebration should therefore be both joyous and reflective for us all.
“We urge you to remain mindful of the fact that there is a new normal and that the COVID-19 is virulent and dangerous. We urge you to continue to take responsibility.”
