FG urges health workers to help reduce fatalities occurring from non-COVID-19 related
The Presidential Task Force, PTF has appealed to all health workers and authorities of health care facilities to help reduce avoidable fatalities occurring from non-COVID-19 related, by attending to all patients while still observing the COVID-19 protocols.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the PTF-COVID-19, Boss Mustapha made this appeal on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja.
The PTF Chairman, however expressed displeasure over the reports of attack on the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja, Kogi State by some hoodlums, saying he was particularly distressed and regrets the trauma to which medical workers, patients and others who went on their legitimate businesses were subjected.
He said, “I wish to assure you that security agencies have been tasked with the responsibility for fishing out the criminal elements behind it and they will be brought to justice. We thank law abiding Nigerians for reporting the occurrence promptly”
“For the avoidance of doubts, schools have not resumed. Only critical examination classes will be allowed to resume for those who need revision before examinations. As we have informed you, the Federal Ministry of education will consult further with stakeholders before issuing guidelines that will lead to full resumption. We appeal to Nigerians to continue to show understanding and to ensure that their wards take full advantage of electronic platforms provided for learning.
“In the briefing for Monday, mention was also made about Government offices. Without prejudice to the additional guidelines that will be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the following generally applicable guidelines are to be observed:
As much as practicable, virtual meetings should be encouraged to minimise congregation of officials.
Government offices should restrict visits by those who are not on very essential businesses, to their premises.
Mustapha asserted that the developments around the world over the last few days have been quite instructive as they further underscore the need for compliance and caution.
He noted that the WHO announced on Wednesday that 60% of all COVID-19 cases globally have been reported in the last one month, adding that for the past week, the number of new cases have exceeded 160,000 on every single day.
“This update comes as the United States of America is reporting around 45,000 new cases a day while two known European nations (Italy & Spain) hitherto considered epicenters of the pandemic were reporting 10,000 and 6,500 new cases per day, at their respective peaks” he said.