Boss MustaphaPresidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19 has banned physical meetings of whatever type by public servants in the country. This it said, is as a result of the rising cases of coronavirus.
The chairman of the Task Force, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, said today, July 14 when he addressed newsmen at the daily briefing that unnecessary travels for meetings by government officials remain suspended till further notice.
He said that the directives have become necessary in view of the rise in Coronavirus cases on daily basis across the country.
He warned that the resumption of flight operations should not be misconstrued as a license for baseless meetings.
The SGF also warned religious and political groups against flouting existing guidelines for public gatherings, saying that in the absence of cure for the deadly virus, Nigerians owe it a duty to protect themselves and others.
“Government meetings/board meetings should be conducted virtually until further notice. All unnecessary travels for meetings by government official suspended till further notice.
“All government offices shall continue to hold virtual meetings in their offices especially where participants exceed four persons and suspend all unnecessary travels for meetings;
For corporate organisations, Board members, the reopening of the domestic flights should not be misconstrued. The PTF strongly encourages virtual meetings as well.
“We still urge places of worship to cautiously follow the guide lines on public gatherings; and we urge members of the political class to exercise utmost circumspection in their gathering for whatever reasons.”
He said that the Presidential Task Force’s approach would centre around having enough oxygen nationwide as the number of hospitalized persons increase.
According to him the Presidential Task Force would establish sample collection in each of the 774 local governments in the country.
He said that the establishment of the centres across the country would ameliorate cases under the high burden LGAs classification and increase community engagement.
“Regarding compliance on IPC measures, we intend to institutionalize IPC policies in health care facilities and take step to increase compliance of non-pharmaceutical measures (use of face masks, hand sanitizers, and physical distancing)
“We will also increase engagement with the private sector, including supporting local production of PPEs and other critical supplies. Henceforth, anyone above 60 years or persons with morbidities (such as hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, cancers), should stay at home and avoid social events as they are at highest risk of infection and mortality.”
