Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation
(SGF), says the country’s health system may be overwhelmed if there’s a
significant rise in COVID-19 infections as a result of the #EndSARS protests.
Mustapha said this during the presidential task force (PTF)
on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja on Monday.
For over one week, the #EndSARS protests have gained
momentum across the country as the youth have taken to the streets to demand an
end to police brutality.
Although Nigeria’s daily count of coronavirus infections has
dropped in recent weeks, Mustapha called for caution, stating that there should
be strict adherence to COVID-19 safety measures because people “are creating a
potential opportunity for carrier vehicles that will convey this virus” back to
their respective destinations.
“It will not be out
of place for the PTF to, in consideration of the foregoing, remind all
Nigerians that we are in the middle of a global pandemic. The virus remains
very virulent, deadly and dangerous. It is an unseen enemy which thrives when
people lower their guard,” he said.
“While we use this medium to join other voices of reason, to
appeal to the youths to harken to the invitation to dialogue, we also emphasise
that non-compliance with the NPIs are very risky adventures that must be
avoided. We cannot afford to lose momentum and risk a second wave that might
overwhelm our health systems.
“The PTF has on account of these developments, accelerated
its plans for the National Testing Week and shall continue to monitor
developments in all areas of the economy that have reopened and where new mass
gathering events are taking place over the next three weeks for signs of spike
in numbers.
“We urge every one
who has been exposed unduly to large gathering to get tested and/or report any
signs of the symptoms of COVID-19.”
He warned that COVID-19 in Nigeria is currently at the stage
of community transmission and engaging in such mass gatherings will only reinforce
the infection deeper into communities across the country.
“We must avoid a situation where we have a resurgence again.
We are just about getting over the first wave in this country, and we are doing
very well,” the SGF said.
Meanwhile, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease
Control (NCDC), as of October 18, 2020, over 60,000 cases of the coronavirus
have been confirmed, but more than 56,611 people have recovered.
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