• The government orders the workers to stay at home
Concerned about the sharp rise in infections, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the mandate of the Presidential Working Group (PTF) for COVID-19 until March 31, 2021.
He said Nigeria could not afford to lose profits in the past nine months.
“The nation is obviously in a dangerous situation given the virulent nature of this second wave and we must act decisively to protect our people. I therefore call on all subnational entities, traditional rulers, religious and thought leaders to work with the PTF by taking responsibility for risk communication and community engagement at all levels. Now is the time to step up collective efforts, ”Buhari added.
The chairman of the PTF and the secretary of the government of the Federation (SGF), the head of Mustapha and other members, yesterday handed over the report of the working group on the end of the year to the Nigerian leader in the presidential villa Abuja.
Bukhari said the decision was reinforced by the supply of vaccines, asking the panel to coordinate the planning and delivery of therapy using existing structures.
He equally ordered the team to contact states to take full ownership of this phase of the response by setting up legal frameworks and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.
He further instructed the PTF and the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to ensure that all incoming passengers, who escaped the COVID-19 test upon arrival, were sanctioned under the law.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered officers in grades 12 and below to stay at home for five days, respecting PTF’s advice on staying at home.
The directive is contained in yesterday’s statement of the head of the civil service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan of Abuja.
He noted that the order has become necessary to direct the number of police officers who come to work every day, as the affected workers have to work from home.
The document adds that when applying for duty, officers at GL13 and later will adhere to existing preventive measures, which consist of physically removing, regularly washing and / or repairing hands, wearing face masks and reducing the number of visitors.
The document states: “Moreover, in accordance with PTF regulations, virtual meetings should be encouraged in offices with the aim of minimizing physical contact. In addition, the Permanent Secretaries and Executive Directors are expected to maintain the provision and use of the necessary facilities in accordance with existing guidelines to prevent the spread of the pandemic. “
He instructed security officials to scan workers for compliance.