The Secretary to the Government of the Federation who is also the Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha has called for caution against second wave of coronavirus infection in the country.
Mustapha said emerging statistics have indicated that Nigerians still have to be cautious, vigilant by taking responsibility due to the second wave of the virus in many parts of the globe.
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Speaking at the joint national briefing of the taskforce in Abuja on Thursday, he said in Nigeria, the PTF continues to rely on data, research, science and experience of other nations to inform decisions at all stages.
He said “Our National response to COVID-19 remains targeted at achieving the purposes of epidemic control through reduced transmission and minimizing mortality among vulnerable parts of the population.
“Till date, Nigeria has sustained the substantial successes earlier recorded. Although statistics show that the pandemic is not slowing down globally, the number of recorded cases in Nigeria have remained between 100-200 daily for the last four weeks with a progressive fall in the case fatality rate to 1.9 percent,” he said.
He said that the reduction in the test positivity ratio to less than five percent further corroborates the belief that the epidemic curve is flattening, despite the unsatisfactory testing rate in the country attributable to general apathy among the populace.
The SGF said that as at October 14, 2020, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 is 60,834; total active cases 7,575; 1,116 deaths; 52,143 recovered cases; while the cumulative number of samples tested is567,857.
The PTF boss said that number of laboratories established is 69 with at least one in each state;
He said, “Presently, there is a molecular laboratory for COVID-19 testing in every state of the country and the additional funding provided by the Federal Government, should help to scale up testing for COVID-19.
“The PTF has concluded arrangements to test additional 100,000 at the various NYSC orientation camps nationwide, when they re-open soon; the PTF has also concluded arrangements to execute the National Testing Week as part of the arrangements to ramp up testing,” he said.
Mustapha also said that over 27,000 international passengers have arrived Nigeria since the resumption of international flights.
He however expressed concern over the low level of sample collection by states; increasing apathy, scepticism and disbelief; very low compliance with non-pharmaceutical guidelines by Nigerians; and low risk perception leading to low sample collection rate and decreasing testing.
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Mustapha said that if the nation must avoid a second wave and continue to flatten the curve, it is imperative for all to jointly address these concerns and the PTF appeals strongly for collaboration and for all hands to be on deck.
He said, “The reopening of the international airspace has been largely successful with most passengers following the laid down regulations and adhering to testing requirements. We have not seen a spike of cases since the reopening of the airspace.
“The PTF however noted the huge challenge posed to our national response by states as a result of poor engagement which manifests strongly in the form of low level of sample collection across the country.
“After a very careful review of the national response, the PTF believes that while recent numbers point to a likely flattening of the curve consistent with emerging epidemic control, Nigeria is not yet ready for a full-reopening of the economy.”
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