*Says states running out of bed-space
The Presidential Task Force on the Control of COVID-19) said Friday that security agencies have been directed to ensure strict enforcement of the advisories and guidelines issued issued by government and health experts.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, who disclosed this at the daily briefing, said the strict enforcement was necessary because the rampant violations portend dangers for the country and its people.
He said the enforcement measures were not punitive but meant to save lives and prevent uncontrolled spread of the Coronavirus.
“I must reiterate that the measures taken are not punitive. Rather, they are to save our lives and prevent the uncontrolled spread of the COVID -19 among our loved ones and within our communities. We recognize the existence of multi-faceted challenges and shall keep on emphasizing these in our daily briefings as well as through our information, education and communication media.
“The PTF urges the media and all key stakeholders to step up the roles we play in the sensitisation and awareness efforts.”
The PTF chairman restated that Nigeria is presently at the community transmission phase with the country witnessing the highest single day number of 381 confirmed cases on Thursday,” he said.
The SGF said the Presidential Task Force is worried about the increase in the number of confirmed cases across the country, stressing that states were already running out of bed-space at treatment centres.
“This could be considered worrisome but for the fact that this rise is associated with our increased testing capacity, which has provided an opportunity to detect hitherto hidden cases. However, this increased testing does not translate to higher fatality rates as in the last few days, we have witnessed a good number of discharges and a continually reducing daily fatality rate.
“We have also received Reports from the States, which suggests that the treatment centres are running out of bed spaces. As we assess the situation, the PTF shall also begin to examine our peculiar circumstances, modify the strategies for care management and consider viable alternatives, where necessary. At the appropriate time, the guidelines and protocols shall be unfolded.
“The PTF is liaising with the Task Force on Movement of Agricultural produce under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in order to ensure that food scarcity is not experienced in any part of the country. Another objective of this collaboration is also to minimize the abuse of the exemption granted for movement of goods under guidelines,” he said.
