Health officials in Nigeria ‘concerned’ with increase in coronavirus cases

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, expressed concerns on Thursday about the increase in coronavirus cases in the country, even suggesting it may be difficult to move forward with reopening more areas of the local economy.

The PTF also disclosed that plans are in advanced stage in its preparation for taking precision measures within the high burden local government areas identified.

“The strategy will be unfolded in due course. We are also emphasizing risk communication and community engagement in a sustainable manner, said PTF Chairman on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha,

The government had three weeks back  identified nine densely populated “high burden” local government areas which could be candidates for “precision” lockdown measures.  It did not say where they were located.

“Nigeria witnessed a spike in number of confirmed cases when the number of recorded cases jumped to 663 on Tuesday, 9th June, 2020. This number gives us cause for concern as a Task Force and as a nation,” he said.

“That admonition remains very valid and we still underscore vigilance and self-preservation,” he added.