‘COVID-19 is still real, ferocious, deadly,’ PTF, Sanwo-Olu warn Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Restating for the umpteenth time that the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic is still much around, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has warned Nigerians against complacency even though the country has been reporting fewer cases of the virus in recent months.

Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of PTF on COVID-19, who stressed that the disease is still deadly disclosed this at media briefing of Task Force Thursday, October 8, in Abuja, FCT.

Mustapha warned: “Although Nigeria is no longer in the top five countries by cumulative deaths in Africa, the PTF continues to urge Nigerians to change their attitude of skepticism and nonchalance to the virus.

“For the avoidance of doubts, the virus is real, ferocious and deadly. To date, Nigeria has recorded 59,738 confirmed cases and 1,113 fatalities.”

According to the SGF, while the recovery rate for the virus in the West African country – 51,403 discharged cases as of Wednesday, October 7th, 2020 – is something to cheer about.

He rather insisted that Nigeria will not be deceived by such comparatively high rate of recovery from the disease.

He stated: “The PTF is fully conscious, but not deceived, by the fact that our recovery rate is high and very encouraging.

Mustapha urged the ramping up of COVID-19 tests which he reiterated is “the only way to detect, isolate, trace and treat.”

In connection with the need to build trust, as recent media reports have suggested that many Nigerians lack faith in the government and its agency, the PTF Chairman is warning that such a development could mar the successes recorded in the country’s fight against the virus in the country.

On international flights, he said: “The PTF and relevant agencies are working with the European Union on the issue of flights into Nigeria.

“As soon as negotiations are completed, Nigerians will be informed accordingly.
For flights currently allowed into Nigeria, we are seeing a combined number of 4,500 arriving passengers per day into Lagos and Abuja.”

Meanwhile, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has charged residents of the state in particular and Nigerians in general to continue to observe the COVID-19 precautionary measures.

Sanwo-Olu stated that the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be over in the country.

Represented by Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, his wife, the governor said this at the inauguration of COVID-19 Holding Bay and High Care Unit for suspected cases at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

The 20-bed capacity bay is crucial to the fight against Coronavirus in Lagos State.

The governor stated: “While our efforts at managing the pandemic have been largely successful considering the number of cases that have been successfully treated and the reduction in the number of new cases, it is important to emphasise that now is not the time for us to rest on our oars.

“But rather, it is a time to remain conscious of the pandemic and to continue to intensify efforts at flattening the curve.”

Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of LASUTH, also said the COVID-19 relief bay was built to save patients and other workers in the hospital from being exposed to COVID-19.

The COVID-19 holding area and high care unit have provision for six intensive care units (ICUs) with high technology medical equipment and personnel that would provide specialised care services, he said.

The LASUTH CMD added that the hospital would provide advance care through the high care unit to COVID-19 patients with respiratory tissue challenges and ensure they are treated properly.