The Federal Government has said that it would modify the strategies for care management of the patients of the COVID-19 and consider viable alternatives, where necessary, over some emerging peculiar circumstances.
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 28th joint national briefing of the committee.
He said the taskforce have also received reports from the states, which suggests that the treatment centres are running out of bed spaces.
“As we assess the situation, the PTF shall also begin to examine our peculiar circumstances, modify the strategies for care management and consider viable alternatives, where necessary. At the appropriate time, the guidelines and protocols shall be unfolded,” Mustapha said.
According to him, Nigeria, like the rest of the World, continue to plough through this uncharted territory of COVID-19 and that the national response being pursued is robust, comprehensive and all inclusive.
The SGF said state governments have been constantly consulted, advised to adapt and align their actions with guidelines issued by the Federal Government.
While saying that the PTF has intensified the monitoring of the level of compliance with the advisories and guidelines already issued, he said the outcome of the surveillance still point to the fact that violations are still rampant and that this portends a very dangerous trend.
He said, “The PTF has been consulting with the security agencies and arrived at the conclusion that strict enforcement should be adopted.”
He added that as part of the conclusions of the meeting with Security Chiefs, it was agreed to strengthen enforcement in collaboration with the states; all exempted persons including journalists and medical personnel should always carry a verifiable and authentic means of identification.
He said, “Security agencies should improve monitoring of their personnel and interaction with the citizenry; citizens should respect the sacrificial role of security agencies and desist from assaulting security personnel and damaging security infrastructure; appropriate PPE and related protective gears will be provided for the security personnel.
“Security agencies should always respect the fundamental rights of citizens during enforcement; enlightenment and awareness should be intensified; and if need be, revisit the strategies on the basis of spatial compliance.”
Mustapha insisted that the measures taken are not punitive but are rather to save lives and prevent the uncontrolled spread of the COVID -19 among Nigerians.
“We recognize the existence of multi-faceted challenges and shall keep on emphasizing these in our daily briefings as well as through our information, education and communication media. The PTF urges the media and all key stakeholders to step up the roles we play in the sensitisation and awareness efforts.
