COVID-19: Again PTF Warns Of Possible Third Wave

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 yesterday warned
of possible third wave of the pandemic that is ravaging some
foreign countries.

PTF chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation
(SGF), Boss Mustapha, gave the warning at the joint national
briefing, saying Nigerians should be weary of home-based care as
there may not be enough facilities and personnel to manage patients
in times of emergencies.

“It is in this vain that concerted efforts have been made to
ensure that oxygen is available for patients in all the 46
facilities,” he said.

He said as at March, 14, 2021, bed occupancy had reduced to 1.22
per cent and active cases stood 13,245.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria crossed 2,000 fatalities on March, 12,
2021 and now we have 2,013 recorded deaths.”

The SGF acknowledged reports from around the world, in the last
few days, focused on the safety and side effects of the AstraZeneca
vaccine currently being rolled out in the country.

He, however, said Nigerian authorities have tested and
authorised the use of the vaccines because it was safe and
efficacious.

“I wish to reassure you that the government of Nigeria shall
always prioritise the health of Nigerians,” he said.

Speaking on the third wave of the pandemic despite the vaccines,
Mustapha said the arrival of vaccines had in no way distracted the
government from pursuing the National Response to COVID-19 as
originally conceptualised – test, detect, trace, isolate and
treat.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the virus is very potent and people
still get infected. It is also a fact that the vaccination process
has only just began. It has been reported that some countries are
recording a third wave of cases. We urge all Nigerians to recognise
that we are not yet out of the woods. Therefore, the PTF shall
continue to emphasis and promote the strict adherence to the
non-pharmaceutical interventions.”

The SGF said discussions with KLM and Emirates were on-going on
the issue of pre-boarding testing for passengers whose final
destination of travel is their home bases.

He said KLM agreed to resume outbound flights from Lagos
yesterday without RDTs, while a letter has been written to Emirates
to suspend flights with effect from midnight Wednesday, March
17.

He said discussions were on-going to resolve the matter
amicably.

He also recalled that at the beginning of the ban on
international and domestic travels, airports in Nigeria were locked
down.

“The ban has since been lifted after necessary
infrastructure,personnel and systems were put in place in Lagos and
Abuja airports. In order to further energise the economies of
states in the North-West, South-South and South-East, a timetable
has been prepared for the reopening of Kano, Port Harcourt and
Enugu international airports.”

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 yesterday warned
of possible third wave of the pandemic that is ravaging some
foreign countries.

PTF chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation
(SGF), Boss Mustapha, gave the warning at the joint national
briefing, saying Nigerians should be weary of home-based care as
there may not be enough facilities and personnel to manage patients
in times of emergencies.

“It is in this vain that concerted efforts have been made to
ensure that oxygen is available for patients in all the 46
facilities,” he said.

He said as at March, 14, 2021, bed occupancy had reduced to 1.22
per cent and active cases stood 13,245.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria crossed 2,000 fatalities on March, 12,
2021 and now we have 2,013 recorded deaths.”

The SGF acknowledged reports from around the world, in the last
few days, focused on the safety and side effects of the AstraZeneca
vaccine currently being rolled out in the country.

He, however, said Nigerian authorities have tested and
authorised the use of the vaccines because it was safe and
efficacious.

“I wish to reassure you that the government of Nigeria shall
always prioritise the health of Nigerians,” he said.

Speaking on the third wave of the pandemic despite the vaccines,
Mustapha said the arrival of vaccines had in no way distracted the
government from pursuing the National Response to COVID-19 as
originally conceptualised – test, detect, trace, isolate and
treat.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the virus is very potent and people
still get infected. It is also a fact that the vaccination process
has only just began. It has been reported that some countries are
recording a third wave of cases. We urge all Nigerians to recognise
that we are not yet out of the woods. Therefore, the PTF shall
continue to emphasis and promote the strict adherence to the
non-pharmaceutical interventions.”

The SGF said discussions with KLM and Emirates were on-going on
the issue of pre-boarding testing for passengers whose final
destination of travel is their home bases.

He said KLM agreed to resume outbound flights from Lagos
yesterday without RDTs, while a letter has been written to Emirates
to suspend flights with effect from midnight Wednesday, March
17.

He said discussions were on-going to resolve the matter
amicably.

He also recalled that at the beginning of the ban on
international and domestic travels, airports in Nigeria were locked
down.

“The ban has since been lifted after necessary
infrastructure,personnel and systems were put in place in Lagos and
Abuja airports. In order to further energise the economies of
states in the North-West, South-South and South-East, a timetable
has been prepared for the reopening of Kano, Port Harcourt and
Enugu international airports.”