The Presidential Task Force (PTF), On COVID-19 said the deaths of 24 COVID-19 patients in a single day is a wake up call to Nigerians that COVID-19 is still around.
Speaking at the national briefing of the PTF on COVID-19 on Monday in Abuja, the PTF chairman, Mr Boss Mustapha said “There has been sustained efforts by sub-national entities and the FCT administration to stem the tide against the second wave of the pandemic.
“This is evident in the closure of some facilities including event centres, clubs, etc over the violation of protocols. We are glad with the direction of the collaboration and enforcement which we believe will deter other would-be violators.
For the avoidance of doubt, places of worship should only have 50 per cent of their capacity, indoor gatherings/meetings should not exceed 50 persons, at a time. Indoor Restaurants, Clubs and lounges should remain closed.
“On the other hand, the recorded death of 24 COVID-19 patients in the country on Saturday, February 13, 2021, being the second highest in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic should serve as a wake-up call for the populace to brace up for more compliance.”
Speaking on the reported out break of Ebola in Guinea and Congo DR, Mustapha said “The PTF is also enhancing surveillance at points of entry to respond to recent outbreak of Ebola in neighboring countries, especially, Guinea and the Congo DCR. We shall keep a keen eye on it to avoid having to combat with the two deadly diseases at the same time. This is not a task for government alone but for all Nigerians and indeed all members of the public have a role to play.”
On vaccines, The PTF chairman said “the process for accessing vaccines for Nigeria is still on course under the coordination of the PTF in the same manner of the national response on COVID-19.
“While the federal ministry of health and its relevant agencies remain the lead facilitators, our goal remains to keep it safe and efficacious.”
He also said: “The Oxygen strategy we are pursuing nationwide under case management is receiving the needed support from the global fund.
This will involve the repairs of 36 plants nationwide. The process is ongoing and you will be briefed as it progresses.
The objective is to make sure that oxygen is available within the shortest possible travelling distance for hospitals to procure for patients. As you are aware, the President has already approved the repairs of existing plants around the country.”
