Lockdown relaxation not victory over pandemic, Nigerians warned

*Schools have not yet resumed, says PTF on COVID-19 Chairman

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Against the backdrop of most Nigerians’ feelings of ‘fresh breadth’ in the economy, following the recent further relaxation of months of lockdowns, the Federal Government has urged the citizenry to take responsibility in the continued fight against the disruptive Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federal (SGF) and Chairman, Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, in his remarks during the briefing of the PTF on COVID-19, in Abuja, FCT, Thursday, July 2, warned Nigerians to understand that the country is yet to overcome the pandemic outbreak.

Mustapha said: “​One significant observation the PTF wishes to make is that the new rise in cases is to be expected as nations start to ease restrictions.

“We shall, however, proceed with caution and we shall not hesitate to change course when the need arises.

“What this means is that Nigerians should never mistake the relaxation by government as a signal that the COVID-19 battle had been concluded.”

The PTF Chairman disclosed that the government has joined the world in emphasising that the best way to manage the pandemic is through a comprehensive approach.

According to Mustapha, people should play their parts by observing physical distancing, keeping personal hygiene, wearing nose masks, avoiding large gatherings, and staying at home when it is unnecessary to step out of their homes.

He stated that the PTF and collaborating agencies will continue to work on finding, isolating, testing, tracing contacts, communicating, and treating for Coronavirus.

The SGF also assured that the frontline healthcare workers would be equipped and trained while communities would be empowered to protect themselves.

While thanking Nigerians for their patience and understanding thus far, he charged them to strictly abide by the COVID-19 protocols, particularly in respect of the gradual resumption of domestic flights in the country.

“Following the announcement of the extension of phase two and some new measures on Monday, the Aviation sector has announced 8th, 11th and 15th of July as dates for the gradual resumption of domestic flights.

“In the aviation industry, safety and security are paramount and there is only one global aviation standard,” stated Mustapha.

Meanwhile, the PTF, again, restated the fact that schools have not resumed in the country.

Mustapha, who clarified the controversy surrounding the alleged resumption of schools across Nigeria, disclosed that the Federal Government has yet to approve the resumption of schools.

He made the clarification Thursday at the PTF briefing on COVID-19, few days after the government said graduating students could resume classes in preparation for their final examinations.

“For the avoidance of doubts, schools have not resumed. Only critical examination classes will be allowed to resume for those who need revision before examinations.

“As we have informed you, the Federal Ministry of Education will consult further with stakeholders before issuing guidelines that will lead to full resumption.”

“We appeal to Nigerians to continue to show understanding and to ensure that their wards take full advantage of electronic platforms provided for learning,” the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) added.

He reminded Nigerians that the PTF had announced some limited measures for the education sector, although he insisted that it was still not safe to reopen schools.

According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari only approved the resumption for graduating students in order not to truncate their progression.