Don’t jubilate yet, PTF on COVID-19 warns Nigerians
The curve is flattening, but Nigeria should not jubilate yet, the Presidential Task force on Coronavirus has warned.
Chairman of the PTF on Covid-19, Boss Mustapha told the national briefing in Abuja that the virus is still virulent and dangerous even as he urged Nigerians to be on guard.
Mustapha said the virus has infected over 30 million people globally while Nigeria recorded 56,604 cases. He cited the case of India where over five million cases have been recorded.
“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.
“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,” said Mustapha.
He also disclosed that the task force is “closely watching the developments at the airports and taking-in comments and observations sent by well-meaning Nigerians and passengers.”
Mustapha expressed regrets on inconveniences experienced by travellers at the airports, especially on protocols and requirements for departure, arrivals, testing in-country and self-isolation.
“While the PTF regrets all inconveniences experienced by arriving passengers, I wish to state that the overriding public interest is a critical factor propelling the policies.
“The issues with access to the portal, cost, pre-boarding validity timing and other factors remain work in progress and shall be reviewed as and when necessary. The PTF shall remain open to your suggestions and comments,” the PTF chairman said.
