Following the extension of the eased lockdown over COVID-19 by two weeks, the Federal Government has urged Nigerians to delicately balance between safety and economic considerations before the economy is reopened fully.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 34th joint national briefing of the taskforce.
According to him, Mr. President’s directive on extending the eased lockdown for another two weeks was in the bid to further contain and control the spread of the COVID-19 disease.
“This well considered decision was taken out of an abundance of caution, current experiences from different countries and expert advice. I must add also that we were persuaded by the history of global pandemics because it is replete with evidence of exponential rise in pandemic upon early lifting of restrictions, for which the 1918–1920 influenza remains the most recent example in human history.
“Nigeria, judging from these historical perspectives, must in our present approach, delicately balance between safety and economic considerations before we reopen the economy, fully,” Mustapha said.
He added that the decision was not punitive, as government share the citizens pains and concerns.
He said, “However, our future remains in our hands and compliance is one of the keys to opening that future. As we go into the first week of the extension of Phase One under the eased lockdown regime, we appeal once more to everyone, to diligently comply with measures put in place.
“Of particular importance is the need to obey the curfew, obey the ban on interstate travels, observe physical distancing, avoid large gatherings, observe personal and respiratory hygiene and align with the policy on use of masks/covering.”
The SGF said that the two additional weeks should be utilized by businesses, offices, professional bodies, places of worship and educational institutions, among others awaiting reopening to plan and adopt new strategies under a COVID-19 era in line with the guidelines.
He said that behavioral change is a must for every citizen because COVID 19 has changed the world completely.
He added, “The PTF COVID-19 is committed and determined to continue to provide the required leadership for this national response. In the coming days, intense consultations will be deepened with different segments of the society including the state governments, security agencies, religious and community leaders to ensure a coordinated implementation of the measures.”
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