The Presidential Task Force on the Control of COVID-19 said Monday that 85 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 20 states have not done coronavirus test yet.
This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Mr Boss Mustapha.
He said five states account for 60% of cumulative cases, stressing that 689 out of 774 LGAs have reported a case while 50% of all cases are in 20% LGAs.
He said with 46,577 confirmed cases and 945 cumulative deaths, Nigeria remains respectively the third and fourth highest in these parameters.
He said Nigeria is yet to reach the peak of the pandemic.
“The low test/case confirmation numbers coming out daily should not be misinterpreted to mean that we have overcome. We have over time ramped up testing but more needs to be done to raise the quantum of test per million,” he said.
He said the key sectors that the PTF would be watching closely, in addition to general level of compliance, are the education and transportation.
“Schools are gradually reopening with the commencement of preparations for critical examinations. Guidelines have already been issued by the Federal Ministry of Education to all stakeholders.
“For the transportation sector, the PTF continues to follow the developments in railway and air transportation respectively. Nigerians and sector stakeholders are admonished to ensure compliance with the various non-pharmaceutical measures already in place. The PTF and the Federal Ministry of Aviation are working rapidly towards reopening of the international flights.
“The PTF will also be looking closely at the issue of Risk Communication and Community Engagement. Messaging and consultations shall be intensified to drive the level of awareness and compliance to the wider population using mediums and platforms that are most effective generally and specifically,” he said.
The SGF said Nigeria continues to play its role in supporting the fight against COVID-19 in the West Africa Sub-Region.
He said the Nigerian Airforce distributed Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and medical supplies donated by the West African Health Organisation and other partners to member states in the region.
“However, to show true leadership against the pandemic, we, as a people and country need to contain the virus by doing all we can to protect ourselves, our loved ones and the country at large,” he said.
The SGF commended many survivors of COVID-19 for telling their stories and sharing them in the social media.
“The stories of those who doubted the existence of the virus and became unfortunately infected and are now expressing appreciation for timely intervention of the case management team provide compelling proof that the virus is real,” he said.
