The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic expressed worry about the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) strike, saying it is capable of diminishing the gains of the pandemic fight and causing more loss of lives.
Describing the action as unfortunate, the PTF applauded the contributions of the health workers to the gains recorded so far and urged them to call off the strike.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and PTF Chairman, Mr Boss Mustapha, told a media briefing in Abuja on Monday: “We are winning this war, the reality is that we need to improve on our commitment to eliminate the virus completely by abiding with the protocols so that we can return to a semblance of what was our normal life.
“One critical element we must not lose sight of is the fact that our cautious approach has tremendously helped in our containment efforts. Therefore, we should avoid complacency at all cost. Our focus should go beyond flattening the curve and ridding our land of this virus just as we did with the polio virus.”
Persecondnews recalls that health workers had declared a strike starting from 11.59 p.m on Sunday, September 13 to pressure the Federal Government to meet their demands.
Meanwhile, the government has described the strike as unnecessary, ill-timed and illegal.
According to Mustapha, although Nigeria continues to progressively witness declining confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a record low number of 79 cases on Sunday, September 13 it was not time to lower the nation’s guards yet.
“Similarly, the contribution of our health workers has no doubt contributed to our gains. In this regard, the PTF wishes to appreciate the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) for calling off their strike action.’’
“We, therefore, call on JOHESU to stand up to be counted at this critical moment because a continuation of the strike could jeopardize the small gains made in the fight against the virus and the efforts to transform our health systems.
“The Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment has assured that every effort is being made to resolve all issues and have JOHESU call its members back to work,’’ Mustapha said.
The PTF chairman commended the initiative of President Muhammadu Buhari for closing land borders, describing them as potential seeding points for importing the virus into Nigeria.
“Moreso as ECOWAS Champion of the COVID-19 response, Mr. President should adopt all practical means of containing the virus within the sub-continent of West Africa.
“The PTF has received with encouragement, the recent United Nations General Assembly omnibus resolution seeking for a comprehensive and coordinated global response to the coronavirus pandemic which further amplifies the significance of Mr. President’s role in the West African region.”
On reopening of schools, he restated the call for states to be more vigilant in adhering to coronavirus protocols appropriately developed with the guidance of experts before reopening schools.
He said: “The PTF is aware that a number of sub-nationals have announced the re-opening of schools from this week, while others have developed a phased plan for such reopening. I wish to reiterate the need for more vigilance in adhering to protocols appropriately developed with the guidance of experts.
“The fear of a likely spike and/or resurgence should always put us on our toes. Always remember that a number of countries including Israel have announced new stringent measures. These are warning signs for us in Nigeria and Africa.’’
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