By Mohammed Mohammed
The Chairman, of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 containment, Mr. Boss Mustapha,
on Monday said the disease has claimed 18 million people globally as at August 2nd.
He made the disclosure in Abuja, at the first media briefing after the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.
According to him, the ban placed on traditional Eid activities like the Durbar and other activities helped in reducing the spread of the disease.
He said: “PTF appreciates religious leaders for leading the risk communication efforts.
“For our countrymen and women who still habour skepticism about the existence and dangers posed by the virus, we urge you to imbibe a change of behavior by complying with the non-pharmaceutical measures prescribed.
“This appeal remains in your own interest and in the interest of your loved ones.” He said.
On the spike of the deaths from the virus, he added: “Over the one-week period that the PTF could not brief the nation, global numbers have been rising.
“As at Sunday, August 2, 2020 the cumulative global cases went up to 18,216,962 while deaths reached 692,280.
“Let me emphasise that as at 29th July, global cases were around 17 million, but by the 2nd of August, 2020 the cases had increased by one million and it took only four days for this to occur.”
He said 6 months ago when the WHO declared the novel corona virus as public health emergency of international concern, there were no confirmed cases in Africa, adding, however, that as at 2nd August, the cumulative cases in Africa had reached 961,219 while deaths stood at 20,346.
In Nigeria, the number of cases had also gone up to 43,841 while deaths stood at 888 by the bench mark date, he added.
The Chairman, said PTF will continue to push forward with the community engagement, risk communication and support to States, adding that there is an on-going surveillance in the high burden Local Government Areas just as government ramps up its precision efforts.
He said government is supporting the States to firm up their Incidence Action Plans preparatory to their accessing the World Bank facility for the fight against COVID-19.
He said: “The National Response would continue to guide the adoption of sector specific guidelines and protocols just as the PTF is currently concluding discussions with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on appropriate guidelines to be adopted for elections beginning with the August 8th Bye-Election in Nasarawa Sate to be followed by those for Edo and Ondo States in September and October respectively.”
Mustapha implored party leaders, aspirants, members and supporters to remain mindful of the virulent nature of COVID-19 during electioneering campaigns and other election processes. We need to remain alive to enjoy the benefits of our democracy.
“In the same vein, we want to appreciate the UN Basket and European Union for delivering the second tranche of the PPEs, medical supplies and equipment.
“I am happy to inform you that, as the ECOWAS Champion on the Containment of COVID-19 in the West African Sub-Region, Mr. President made a donation of N67million worth of PPEs and medical supplies to the government and people of Sao Tome and Principe.
“Mr. President’s leadership of this regional effort would be more impactful if Nigerians demonstrate that our National Response could be replicable in other West African countries by changing their behavior.” He said.