NCDC tasks religious, traditional leaders on COVID- 19 safety protocols

THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control ( NCDC) has appealed to religious and traditional leaders to ensure adherence to existing COVID- 19 safety protocols at places of worship and other social venues during the Eid- el- Kabir celebration.

The centre urged Nigerians to take personal and collective responsibility by obeying the measures to reduce the spread of the disease.

In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the NCDC noted that the significant result achieved notwithstanding, the existence of the more transmissible Delta variant called for more care.

The document reads in part: “This calls for increased adherence to public health and social measures to prevent the spread of COVID- 19. We are issuing this public health based on the high risk of spread in Nigeria and the need for collective responsibility to prevent a surge in cases. The virus that causes COVID- 19 is more likely to spread when people gather and do not adhere to COVID19 preventive measures. As we celebrate this year’s Eid- elKabir.”

The centre advised vulnerable groups, especially people between 60 years and above, or people with pre- existing medical conditions, to avoid non- essential outings and visitors. Where possible, a friend or family member should safely deliver food or any needed supplies.

It warned that while vaccine confers some protection against the disease, it is important for vaccinated people to continue observing extant health and social measures to protect themselves and others.

Also yesterday, the D- 8 Health and Social Protection Programme implored the citizenry to adhere to the non- pharmaceutical interventions.

In a statement in Abuja, the Global Director, Dr. Ado Muhammad advised Muslims to prioritise charity and love as taught by Prophet Mohammed ( SAW) besides internalising his teachings of peace and happiness in all dealings.