The Presidential Task Force on the Control of COVID-19 pandemic has expressed concern over the decision of Cross River state government to reopen schools on June 16.
Addressing journalists at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the team, Mr Boss Mustapha, said the PTF is also worried about the reopening of viewing centres in Kano state.
He said the current Coronavirus situation in the country does not warrant reopening of schools and viewing centres.“We have received reports that some states are contemplating the reopening of schools, television viewing centres, sports stadium and other places where large gatherings could take place. The PTF re-emphasises that it is not yet safe to do so and that utmost caution should be exercised. The PTF guideline should still be complied with while considering decision of this nature,” he said.
The PTF chairman appealed to Cross River and Kano state governments to embark on wider community testing, enforce rules on social distancing, step up community engagement and risk communication and pay attention to places of large gatherings. He also stressed the need for security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on inter-state travels.He said the PTF was concerned about the escalation of the level of non-compliance with simple measures such as keeping social distancing, wearing of masks in public places, sanitation and hygiene.
“This is more prevalent in markets, motor parks and some places of worship. I wish to remind you that the PTF has already issued guidelines for mode of operations at places of worship and urge state Governments to ensure strict compliance with PTF guidelines.“We wish to re-emphasise that all relaxed measures are still subject to review and advisories issued are for personal and public safety purposes. The breach of the ban on inter-state travels is also a point of concern.
“Over the last couple of days, you must have observed that the daily figures of confirmed cases have been on the rise. This is an indication that we are conducting more tests across the country and that we are fully in the community spread phase. We, however, urge Nigerians not to panic but to cooperate with public health officials especially where community testing is on-going,” he said.