COVID-19 still far from over in Nigeria, says SGF

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, has stated that the coronavirus pandemic is far from over in Nigeria.

Nigeria has 627 cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus as of Sunday night according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Speaking on Monday during the Presidential Task Force (PTF) daily briefing on COVID-19, the SGF decried the rising cases of the killer virus in the country.

According to him: “​Given the increase in the number of confirmed cases in the last week, the PTF remains conscious of the fact that we are far from the end of this outbreak in Nigeria. We, therefore, must focus even more vigorously on our strategy of increasing testing, isolating confirmed cases, following up with contacts of cases and managing confirmed cases to recovery.

“The significant increase in the number of cases and distribution across states underscore the importance of remaining focused as citizens and as a nation because of the enormity of the challenges ahead.

“This is the time for all hands to be on deck so that the PTF can improve on its delivery. We must all come together because we face a common enemy and potential risk. We must flatten the curve at all cost and restore our country to full activity.”

Reacting to criticisms trailing the burial of President Muhammadu Buhari’s late Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, for alleged violation of NCDC’s protocols, Mustapha said: “The PTF recognizes, regrettably, the unintentional violation of the principles and protocols that form the core of our messaging to Nigerians, at the funeral of the late Chief of Staff.

“These principles for emphasis, include: the guidance provided on mass gatherings; social distancing; personal hygiene; and
​restriction of movements.

“Lessons have been learnt and appropriate measures have been taken to close all gaps. We assure all Nigerians of their safety and the determination of the PTF to combat the pandemic.”