Federal government will this week unveil next steps regarding the remaining phase of the eased lockdown, after President Muhammadu Buhari approves the 8th reports of the regular Presidential Task Force on the Coronavirus pandemic, PTF COVID-19.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus, PTF COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated this at the national briefing by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Abuja, on Monday.
The PTF had last week compiled findings and recommendations which would be presented to Mr. President this week as part of the 8th Interim Report.
But at the Monday’s briefing, Mustapha revealed that “Before this week runs out, the PTF shall unveil to Nigerians the next steps regarding the remaining phase of the eased lockdown.
Mustapha who noted that the PTF is glad that the economy is opening up the more, however, warned that the organization has continue to study developments in Europe and other parts of the world, adding that ” no nation can be said to be immune to a possible second wave if the guidelines and protocols are not adhered to strictly.
According to him, “Nigerians need to anticipate this and prepare. Our hope and prayers are that it shall never happen”
Over the last few days, global cases crossed the 37 million mark.
This just as in the UK, cases have been on the increase, and the 5th highest number of daily cases were recorded on Sunday 11th (12,872).
Mustapha said Brazil’s case load has also continued to increase with the registration of a daily case load of over 65,000 on the 11th of October.
“On the African continent, 8,987 cases were reported from 34 countries in the last 24 hours leading to a cumulative total case count of 1,587,276 including 38,167 deaths (CFR stands at 2.4%). Nigeria maintains the 5th position (60,266) in highest cumulative cases after South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, and Ethiopia”
Speaking on safe schools reopening, the PTF said the safety in Schools has been a matter of strong debates, but reiterated that ” federating units have the responsibility for determining the dates and modalities for the safe reopening while the Federal Government provides the guidelines”
He revealed that the PTF and relevant MDAs have made appreciable progress in the discussions with the European Union over flight restrictions and entry of Nigerian nationals and holders of long-term Schengen visas into the territory.
“We hope to make a very favourable announcement on this, very soon”
