COVID-19: PTF Says Lockdown Possible After Two Weeks

The Presidential Task Force says it is not ruling out another lockdown in the country as the COVID-19 cases continue to surge.

The PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this at the task force briefing on Monday.

The SGF advised prominent Nigerians to take COVID-19 protocols seriously as the virus respects no one.

“Of recent, we have witnessed a high rate of positive cases especially among people in authority. This has a direct impact on governance and security of our nation. We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians, irrespective of status. This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitization messaging,” he said.

Speaking on the possibility of another lockdown, Mustapha said: “We will not speculate on what will happen in future but we will protect the lives of Nigerians.

“To achieve that, if it means to lockdown again, we will not shy away from that responsibility. We will recommend to the President who will look at the report and take a decision on our recommendation. What happens in the next two-three weeks will determine what we will do.”

The SGF also said members of the task force met with heads of security agencies earlier on Monday.

He said the meeting centred on how to enforce compliance with guidelines among other issues.

The Minister of Health, Ehanire Osagie, said the ministry planned to boost overall COVID-19 sample collection by preparing all eligible public and private hospitals nationwide to become collection sites.

He said a 17-man team of the ministry left Abuja for Calabar to engage with the Cross River State Government in setting up its COVID-19 response and aligning it with the national response.