FG directs all workers to resume work, lifts ban on football, others

Only FCT and Lagos have achieved the target of testing 1% population

The Federal Government has said that only the FCT and Lagos have achieved the target of testing one percent of its population, while 26 states of the federation are yet to test up to 25 percent rate.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the joint national briefing of the taskforce.

• Previous infection with other types of coronaviruses may lessen severity of COVID-19
• FCT minister bans protests amidst concerns for flouting COVID-19 protocols

According to him, apart from FCT and Lagos State, three states that have crossed 50 percent testing rate are Plateau, Gombe and Rivers.

“Twenty-six others are yet to measure up to 25 percent. This is considered a serious problem which is further compounded by the increasing general apathy and disbelief about the risk of COVID-19 in Nigeria,” Mustapha said.

He recalled that at the last briefing on Monday, he had said that the PTF had compiled all its observations and findings and would in due course present the 8th Interim Report and recommendations to Mr. President, to enable the National Response proceed into the next phase.

The SGF said that the 8th Interim Report, focused on the primary objective of consolidating the gains recorded in the National Response over a period of six weeks which ended on 13th October, 2020.

This according to him, “Due to other exigencies including the celebration of the diamond anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence, the phase had to be extended.

He noted that many countries in different continents have however gradually commenced reopening and adapting to the reality of the pandemic lasting longer than originally expected.

He said that schools are reopening with strict guidelines; airlines have commenced flights with enforced advisories and other aspects of social engagement continue to be gradually reincorporated.

He said that the response remains buoyed by the ever-increasing global collaboration among nations and with international organisations.

He expressed delight that the PTF has observed and learnt great lessons from these jurisdictions and has similarly taken measures to reopen the economy albeit in a safe and cautious manner.

The SGF said that President Buhari has approved that Nigeria further relaxes the restrictions in this third phase of the response, while maintaining key limitations to curb the risk of a spike in cases.

He said, “The major changes proposed by the PTF are gradual and safe re-opening of schools and NYSC camps; re-commencement of sporting leagues, in particular all outdoor activities such as football; sustaining the midnight to 4am curfew on movement nationwide; and removal of the limitation on civil servants allowed to come to work.”

He said that the President also approved maintaining the third phase of the National Response to COVID-19 for a period of four weeks with effect from 00.01am on Monday, 19th October, 2020 in line with amendments to address economic, socio-political and health considerations.