Daily #PTFCOVID19 Briefing has started

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha: On May 18, 2020, the Presidential Task Force announced an extension of Phase 1 of the Easing of the Lockdown, by 2 weeks.

SGF: The global epicenter of the pandemic has shifted from China to Europe to USA, and is now showing a shift to South and Central America.

SGF: "This shift to South America with virtually similar climatic and demographic similarities with Africa, is a cause for concern when we consider the fact that earlier projections pointed to Africa as likely to be the worst hit continent, by the pandemic."

SGF: "As at midnight on Sunday, 31st May, 2020, Nigeria had recorded 10,162 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 3,007 discharges and 287 deaths. Significantly, Nigeria recorded 553 new cases on Saturday, 30th May, 2020 representing the highest single-day numbers, ever."

SGF: "​Based on the overall assessment, including available data on the public health considerations and resultant economic impacts, the PTF is of the opinion that..."

SGF: "... Nigeria is ready to allow SCIENCE and DATA determine her cautious advancement into the second phase of the eased lockdown for a period of four (4) weeks."

SGF: "After considering all factors mentioned above, the PTF submitted its recommendations and President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review:"

SGF:

i. Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19;

ii. Application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

SGF:

i. Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19;

ii. Application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country

iii. Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities;

iv. Sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include:

a) Ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

b) Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and Protocols agreed by State Governments

c) Managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission;

d) Ban on inter-state travels except for movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods & essential services;

e) Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places;

f) Mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers in all public places;

g) Extensive temperature checks in public places;

h) Maintaining 2 metres between people in public places;

i) Strengthening infection prevention and control at healthcare facilities;

j) Isolation of vulnerable populations (elderly and those with underlying health conditions)

k) Massive information and education campaigns.

v. Deepening of collaborative efforts with community leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, etc;

vi. Continuous mobilisation of State Govts to take up greater role in the implementation of the guidelines and advisories provided by the PTF;

vii. Continued provision of support by the NCDC to States through guidelines to shape decision-making in responding to high burden LGAs and Wards; and

viii. Easing the total lockdown of Kano State and introduction of Phase One of the Eased Lockdown.