COVID-19: FG warns of high risks in protest gatherings

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, has warned of high risks of the pandemic in protest gathering.

Mustapha, at the briefing of the PTF in Abuja yesterday, decried the violation of COVID-19 protocols by the #EndSARS protesters nationwide.

He said Nigeria could not afford to lose momentum and risk a second wave that might overwhelm the nation’s health system.

“The virus remains very virulent, deadly and dangerous. It is an unseen enemy which thrives when people lower their guard.

“The PTF has, on account of these developments, accelerated its plans for the National Testing Week and shall continue to monitor developments in all areas of the economy that have reopened and where new mass gathering events are taking place over the next three weeks for signs of spike in numbers.

“We urge everyone who has been exposed unduly to large gathering to get tested and/or report any signs of the symptoms of COVID-19,” Mustapha said.

The SGF also warned against overcrowding in public offices.

“Civil Servants on all grade levels have been allowed to return to work for the first time since

March. This also calls for caution, vigilance and effective preparation and leadership by permanent secretaries and CEOs of agencies of government,” he said.

He urged that alternate days of attendance are worked out to avoid overcrowding in the various offices.

On the school reopening, he said: “While we continue to monitor the process, the need for constant reminders and engagement with communities, proprietors, parents, teachers, etc cannot be over emphasized.”

PTF National Coordinator Dr Sani Aliyu, said the Federal Government had trained at least 17,000 healthcare workers to battle coronavirus.