COVID-19: FG Mulls Another Lockdown, Says Nigeria In ‘Difficult Situation’

• We must continue to strike balance between lives and livelihood.

• PTF harps on l strict adherence to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions

The federal government on Monday said the country could be locked down again if the current COVID-19 infection trend continues.

Boss Mustapha, chairman of the presidential taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19, made this known at a press briefing in Abuja.

Ekohotblog reports that Mustapha who doubles as secretary to the government of the federation, appealed to the citizens to take responsibility and do everything to ensure the country did not undergo another lockdown.

He averred that the country was in a “difficult situation”, imploring people to find a middle ground between staying alive and earning a living.

“​Let me remind you that the pandemic is raging and all tiers of Government and citizens must keep their hands-on-deck,” he said

“We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood.

“We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received. We must do everything possible to avoid a a second lockdown in Nigeria.”

Speaking on the resumption of schools in many states, Mustapha asked states to ensure strict compliance with “non-pharmaceutical interventions” to avoid aggravation of COVID-19 cases.

“​While we note that several States have proceeded with the resumption of schools, the PTF recommends strongly that very strict adherence to Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions should be enforced by the States to avoid the escalation of cases. The PTF will continue to dialogue with the Governors and the Federal Ministry of Education to closely monitor the situation,” he said.

Read Also: COVID-19 Vaccine Is Meant To Kill People – Yahaya Bello

On the issue of vaccines, he said: “The positive news about vaccines remains high in the ranking of discussions nationwide. Nigerians are assured that the PTF will ensure that the vaccines to be approved will be safe and effective. We must however work together as foot soldiers in the vaccine advocacy so that we can eliminate the pandemic.”