BEVERLY HILLS, May 07, (THEWILL) – The Presidential Task Force (PTF), has called on governors to address the “almajiri” issue squarely, to avoid further spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the country.
Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and PTF chairman on COVID-19, made the call during the task force daily briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mustapha appealed to the governors to align their plans for the movement of the pupils with the ban on interstate movement imposed by the President.
Specifically, he called on the governors to intensify dialogue on the “almajiri” situation in the country.
“Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the deadly and virulent nature of COVID-19.
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“The PTF has observed non-compliance with physical distancing, especially in banks, traffic gridlock, inter-state movement and carrying capacity directive by commercial vehicles,” he said.
He said that the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Bankers’ Committee has put in place strategies to address the banking challenges.
“There’s been non-compliance with physical distancing guidelines evidenced by higher than advised congregation of people in banks, traffic gridlocks especially at entry points to metropolitan areas and disregard of guidelines on carrying capacity of motor vehicles.
“Increased level of interstate movements worsened by the concealment of people in food carrying vehicles.
“Unhygienic and ill-advised use and sharing of masks especially multiple fittings before buying from vendors,” he said.
Mr Mustapha disclosed that the ban on all flights will be extended for an additional four weeks.
“We have assessed the situation in the aviation industry and come to the conclusion that given the facts available to us and based on experts advice, the ban on all flights will be extended for additional four weeks,” he said.
