One In Every Five Persons Tested Last Week For COVID-19 Was Positive – Mustapha, PTF Chairman

One In Every Five Persons Tested Last Week For COVID-19 Was Positive – Mustapha, PTF Chairman

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha while giving his update on Monday noted that one in every five persons tested in Nigeria within the last week turned out positive.

Boss Mustapha said South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya now account for 76% of all cases in the African region.

According to him, Nigeria has moved up to the third position in the highest cumulative caseload but remains 2nd for new cases and 5th highest in cumulative deaths in the WHO African region.

Mr Mustapha who doubles as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) said from the foregoing, testing has proven to have become more significant in the nation’s response, adding that the PTF still urges the State Governments to enable their EOCs to step up on sample collection and to maximize the capacities of the PCR Laboratories already established in their States.

He further disclosed that the PTF has also authorized the NCDC to immediately implement the 450 tests per LGA plan, nationwide, immediately, beginning with States that are at the forefront of resourcing and infrastructure.

The PTF Chairman reemphasized the need for all segments of the society to get involved in risk communication and community engagement.

Regarding the positive news about vaccines, Boss Mustapha assured Nigerians that the PTF will ensure that the vaccines to be approved will be safe and effective.

“We must however work together as foot soldiers in the vaccine advocacy so that we can eliminate the pandemic. The PTF wishes to emphasise that the success of our national response shall not depend on vaccines alone. Rather, compliance with the non-pharmaceutical protocols must remain top on our individual priorities,”

The SGF also said that the nation is making progress with Case Management under its National Response.

In his words, “The National Response continues to receive the support of the private sector in the delivery of medical oxygen to the various facilities.

“At the same time, funds for the rehabilitation of existing oxygen facilities have been released to the various institutions. There is also a process in motion to ensure the construction of at least one oxygen facility in each state.”

Mr Mustapha while reminding Nigerians that the pandemic is raging, noted that all tiers of Government and citizens must keep their hands-on-deck.

“We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood.

“We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received. We must do everything possible to avoid the second lockdown in Nigeria,” Mr. Mustapha stated.

The PTF boss said the task force is proceeding with the next phase of the approved Presidential sanction against all in-bound international travelers that failed to undergo the day-7 post-arrival test.

According to him, the PTF will publish the next list of 100 defaulters very soon.

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