ABUJA — Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 say Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Plateau, and the FCT are causes for concern as the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic rages in Nigeria.
Speaking at the PSC Briefing in Abuja said that all countries in the West African region were beginning to see the third wave of COVID-19.
He said Nigeria recorded about 500 cases daily in the last seven days.
Mustapha said that the country’s Test Positivity Ratio had increased to about six per cent. He noted that this was worrisome and showed that the country was not out of the woods yet.
“It is no more news that the Delta variant has made its way into Nigeria.”
“The PSC is particularly concerned about the situation in Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Rivers, Kano, Plateau and FCT as this variant has made its way into these states and accounts for the rising cases in these states and across the nation.”
“Lagos alone accounts for over 50 per cent of the number of cases.”
“This development calls for great caution because the virus is very virulent and raging in so many other countries.”
“We must, therefore, keep observing the Non-Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPIs) and also ensure that we get vaccinated.”
“Vaccination prevents severe cases and reduces hospitalization and deaths but does not eliminate contacting it, hence the need to religiously observe the NPIs.”
Speaking on the travellers evading travel protocol and quarantine, the SGF said “the PSC is ready to publish over 500 travellers who violated the travel protocol and those who evaded quarantine this week.”
“Similarly, those who had their passports barred for six months will be lifted in the coming days. The CG Immigration will be directed to lift the suspension and to also activate the new sanctions.”
“Travellers who did not go for their Day-7 Test will have restrictions placed on their international passports for six months while those who evaded quarantine will similarly have restrictions on their international passports for one year.”
“I also want to announce that the National International Travel Portal is being reviewed to better enhance a hitch free experience for travellers.”
“This review will be completed in the next two weeks. The Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu is ready for reopening. A date will be announced in due course after a few logistics issues are cleared.”
“The PSC has also reviewed the travel protocols for diplomatic travellers,” he said.
The SGF also called for more testing, noting that there was the need to test more and detect early enough so that people who have contracted this virus can be treated early.
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