The federal government has warned that return to normal way of life and suspension of strict measures would depend on how much success was achieved in the fight to reduce the spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic in Nigeria.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on (COVID-19) Pandemic and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who disclosed this during Friday’s edition of the daily media briefing by the task force, however, charged Nigerians to collaborate with government in the effort to achieve success in the war.
The SGF, who recalled that the PTF had been functioning, since it was inaugurated by President Muhammadu Buhari, for a month, noted that its primary target had been to flatten the COVID-19 curve in the country, calling on Nigerians to help government achieve desired success by giving needed support and understanding, obeying instructions and issued protocols.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a long-term effort and we should exercise patience as we gradually walk out of danger, reopen our society and her economic life. This virus has no vaccine. Success will mean a return to normalcy and we can only claim victory when:
“Cases are no longer increasing; we have no unknown sources for cases; deaths are no longer increasing; more admissions are discharged. The only path to these is your full collaboration and compliance.
“The PTF has continued to present daily situation report to Nigerians and we thank you for your involvement and attention. The objective is to engage with you, eliminate misinformation, rumours, fake news etc.
“One month down the line, the PTF has worked in close concert with the international community, the private sector and all Nigerians but so much more remain to be accomplished. As we have always told you, this is a war with a vicious enemy and our goal is to ultimately flatten the curve.
“To achieve this ultimate objective, therefore, (i.e flatten the curve of infection) the PTF craves the full understanding and cooperation of Nigerians.
“We, therefore, continue to appeal to all our citizens to obey the orders to stay at home and respect the advisories on personal hygiene, social distancing, report symptoms to the nearest appropriate medical facility, stay at home and go into isolation for the sake of your loved ones and the society. This appeal can never be over emphasised”, he said.
The SGF also warned those engaged in spreading disinformation through fake news, adding that security agents had already commenced investigation into cases of fake news, which he said had been making the fight against COVID-19 difficult.
Trying to dispel one of the negative effects of fake news on the national response to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, he said the essence of introducing and sustaining lockdown was to eliminate the spread of the disease.
“I want to use this opportunity to emphatically warn all purveyors of fake news capable of misleading the public and causing distraction in our collective effort to fight this war.
“The objective of the restriction orders is to save the lives of Nigerians from the pandemic and not to cause pains. The Police and other services have launched investigations into the various reports and the Presidential Task Force shall update you when it is concluded.
On demands by Nigerians abroad to return home as a result of the outbreak, he said “so many Nigerians are clamoring to return home. While we are finalizing arrangements for their evacuation, isolation and testing, I am pleased to inform you that the PTF has developed the Protocol on Points of Entry that will address this development going forward. Details will be unveiled subsequently.
“Recent data released by the NCDC has shown a rise in the number of cases in Kano. The state Government has in response to the development imposed a lockdown and curfew in the state. The PTF will visit the state to evaluate the state of readiness and to guide the authorities in the management of the situation”, he said.
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