By Harry Awurumibe, State House, ABUJA
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendation that residents of Abuja and Lagos be strongly advised to stay at home to contain further spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria.
Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, who doubles as Head of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Monday.
Prompt News reports that as at Monday afternoon, the total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria has risen to 36 with one death in Abuja.
The PTF chairman said other measures approved by the President include:
i.Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;
ii.Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
iii.All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;
SGF Boss Mustapha
iv.In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;
v.If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;
vi.Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and
vii.All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given.
“Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response.
“However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
“The Presidential Task Force (PTF) shall be updating Nigerians from time to time when the need arise, Mustapha said.
