• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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FG directs private labs to ensure passengers register on travel portals, validate results

FG directs private labs to ensure passengers register on travel portals, validate results

Disturbed by the continuous presentation of fake results by passengers, the Federal government on Thursday directed private laboratories to immediately put in place measures to validate results and ensure that all passengers are registered on the travel portal before samples are processed to stop this activity.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 containment, Boss Mustapha, speaking at the national briefing in Abuja on Thursday, noted that the trend remains a major source of concern to the Federal Government.

Nigeria had recorded 1,664 infections, on Wednesday, an all-time high results in Nigeria, forcing government to call for compliance with existing protocols, adding that new measures may be put in place to check the rising cases of infections.

Mustapha said the PTF is working to develop new Health Protection Regulations to support existing COVID-19 protocols, to strengthen compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions across the country.

“ It has become embarrassing to note that some Nigerians continue to present fake results when travelling outside the shores of this country.

The PTF said it is constantly reviewing strategies to emerging situations especially in risk communication, vaccine hesitancy, fake news/disinformation.

Read also: Nigerians await change of tactics as inefficiency, high costs keep COVID-19 testing out of reach

Mustapha appealed to the general public to remain focused on the drive to reduce the level of infection and make our Country safe again.

He also appealed to the Sub-Nationals to enforce relevant measures that will help to curb the effect of this virus on our lives and livelihood.

He revealed that the Federal Government working round the clock to secure a safe and right vaccines for the Country and appealed to the Media, Traditional and Religious as well as our community leaders to pass the right message to their followers so that together, we can win this war against this virus.

“ To overcome some of these challenges, the PTF will intensify the risk communication and community engagement to create awareness. The share level of doubts about the virus is alarming and I call on every one to become advocates in support of the National Response.

He also urged the Sub-Nationals to revamp testing and contact tracing in the bid to curb the menace of this dreaded virus.

“ Efforts are being made to increase the supply of oxygens to our health facilities across the country. Mr. President has approved the establishment of at least one new Oxygen plants in each state of the Federation, while the existing ones will be made fully functional. We continue to thanks the Private Sector initiative as well as the Nigerian Air Force for their continued support.”