The extension of the current phase of the national response to COVID-19 by another four weeks has been approved.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) approved the extension, The Punch reports.
Apart from some slight modifications, the implication of the guidelines put in place to curtail further spread of the virus under the second phase of the eased lock down which started on June 1 will remain, as it is meant to address the economic, socio-political and health concerns as contained in the latest report by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.
While speaking in briefing of the task force in Abuja on Thursday, the Chairman of the task force, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, made public this new development.
On the measures for non-pharmaceuticals, Mustapha revealed that state governments and authorities of the Federal Capital Territory would be mandated to enforce non-pharmaceutical measures and intensify measures such as contract tracing, within the next four weeks.
Mustapha said, “After due consideration of the recommendations, Mr President approved the following: maintaining the current phase of the national response to COVID-19 for another four weeks in line with the modifications reflected in the report.
“He approved the partnering states and local governments to improve community sensitisation and engagement to the COVID-19 response; and mandating state authorities and the FCT to enforce non-pharmaceutical guidelines, primarily the use of face masks in public appearance and places.
“The President approved that state governments should be encouraged to collaborate with local government authorities to intensify necessary measures such as contact tracing, grass-roots mobilisation and risk communication; and strengthening of collaboration with other mandate groups at federal/state levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response, on the short, medium and long-term basis.”
