FG warns of impending lockdown, spike in Covid-19 cases

 FG warns of impending lockdown, spike in Covid-19 cases

By Modupe Shodeinde

The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, has stated that there is a possibility of another lockdown in Nigeria due to the rising cases of Covid-19.

The PTF expressed concern over Nigerians shunning of the non-pharmaceutical interventions to curb the spread of the virus.

According to the National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu, while speaking on a television programme on Sunday, the only way to prevent a re-introduction of a lockdown is by adhering to the advisories.

Nigerians have expressed concern and cauioned the government over the imposition of another lockdown, which they fear would have an adverse effect on the already strained economy.

Aliyu, however said, “If you don’t want a lockdown, the only way is to make sure we use our facemasks, avoid mass gatherings, avoid people who have respiratory tract infections, sanitise our hands and follow those non-pharmaceutical interventions.

“The very vaccines that we currently have are those non-pharmaceutical interventions.

“If numbers continue to go up, all options are on the table. There are countries in the world that have been able to control this pandemic simply by following these non-pharmaceutical interventions. They may be inconvenient, but they will not be as difficult as a lockdown”.

Aliyu said the country is experiencing tripling of cases in recent weeks compared to what to what was recorded in June/July of last year.

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”I’m sure most of those who have been following the numbers will realise that what we have now far exceeds what we had in June/July last year.

“In week 52, which is the week we’ve just finished, we’ve seen a tripling in weekly number of cases, compared to what we had three weeks ago. The 6,000 cases per week is really huge. Our hospitals are already starting to get overloaded and we are already starting to feel the pressure within the healthcare system.

He stated that the decision either impose a lockdown or not depends on whether people will state taking this seriously and adhere to the non-pharmaceutical guidelines.

Speaking on vaccines, Aliyu said they are expected to be available in Nigeria by the end of January, allaying fears being entertained in some quarters about its safety.

He explained that the administration of the vaccine would be voluntary, as government would not force anyone to take it.

He however added that vaccination would be necessary due to the likelihood of countries insisting on a certificate before entry.

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