Monday, March 23, 2020 / 09:15PM / By Presidency / Header Image Credit: EcoGraphics
1. In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and
stakeholders through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Honourable
Minister of Health (HMoH), I have found it necessary to update you on recent
developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19
Pandemic.
2. Let me remind you that as at the time the Honourable Minister of Health
(HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health
Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries,
reporting over 329,000 cases. In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have
reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded.
3. In Nigeria 36 cases have been reported and one fatality has
occurred. The first responders, particularly the National Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through
telephone calls and other medium.
4. We commend Nigerians for stepping out to report and/or make enquires
through the dedicated hotlines. Records show that on Sunday, 22nd March,
2020, over 4500 calls were received. This shows the high level of
awareness amongst Nigerians.
5. The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection and
containment through contact tracking in order to minimize hugely, the possibility
of community spread. We urge anyone experiencing the symptoms of the
virus or has been in contact with anyone who has been suspected or tested
positive to please report at the nearest medical facility or the designated
center.
6. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) continues to monitor the global and
domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention
in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.
7. As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken. Part of the measures being taken presently include the following:
i. Escalating the nations capacity for testing and detection through the acquisition of more testing kits and establishment of ​additional test centres;
ii. Acquisition of personnel protection equipment (PPE) for different categories of frontline personnel;
iii.enhancing contact tracking;
iv. Deepening awareness
creation;
v.mobilization of experts and trained personnel whether
in service or retired;
vi. Introduction of social
distancing policies and banningmass gathering of over fifty (50) persons
vii. closure of schools and
tertiary institutions;
viii. The total ban on
international travels shall commence at 12.00 midnight tonight at all our airports; and
ix. leaders of different
faiths have been encouraged to restrict services and activities that involve mass gathering of
more than fifty of their
adherents. State governments are also enforcing this policy at different levels.
8. Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:
i. Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further
notice;
ii. Postponement of the
meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
iii. All land borders that have
been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;
iv. In order to protect
Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the
Federation (HCSF) shall direct on
actions to be taken immediately;
v. If and when the need arises, any national assets
required for use in the response to
COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;
vi. Federal Government, is at
the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to
COVID-19 Pandemic; and
vii. All Abuja and Lagos
residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as
well as non-essential outings, until
further advice is given.
9. Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response. However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arise.
10. I thank you very much.
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