Nigerian Govt Directs NCDC To Begin 450 Tests Per LGA Plan

In its bid to trace, treat and curb the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government of Nigeria has authorised its national public health agency, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to immediately implement the 450 tests per Local Government Area (LGA) plan, nationwide

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha made the disclosure on Monday at the national briefin

The PTF boss who noted that the Government is aware that States are not on the same pedestal in the area of testing, said “we shall begin with States that are in the forefront of resourcing and infrastructure

On COVID-19 vaccine, he assured the citizens of the country that the PTF will ensure the vaccines to be approved will be safe and effecti

Mustapha added that “we must however work together as foot soldiers in the vaccine advocacy so that we can eliminate the pandemi

“The PTF wishes to emphasise that the success of our national response shall not depend on vaccines alone. Rather, compliance with the non-pharmaceutical protocols must remain top on our individual priorities

According to him, the nation is making progress with Case Management under our National Response

“The National Response continues to receive the support of the private sector in the delivery of medical oxygen to the various facilities. At the same time, funds for the rehabilitation of existing oxygen facilities have been released to the various institutions.

Mustapha further disclosed that the PTF is proceeding with the next phase of the approved Presidential sanction against all in-bound international travellers that failed to undergo the day-7 post-arrival tes

“The PTF will publish the next list of 100 defaulters very soon,” he state

The PTF boss also stressed that all tiers of Government and citizens must play their parts in fighting the pandemi

“We are in a difficult situation in which a balance must continue to be struck between lives and livelihood. We are considering all options while hoping that broad cooperation will be received. We must do everything possible to avoid the second lockdown in Nigeria