FG extends COVID-19 eased lockdown by one month

Chidi Samuel| The federal government on Monday extended phase three of the eased lockdown by one month.

The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, who made the disclosure at the weekly briefing of the task force in Abuja, said the move became necessary in view of the fact that the country’s coronavirus numbers are not abating.

Mustapha said, “The PTF is improving on the International Travel Portal to minimise the challenges passengers keep encountering.

“Similarly, it is reviewing the guidelines on the implementation of phase three of the eased lockdown which is due to expire today.

“In view of the fact that our numbers are not abating, all extant measures prescribed in these guidelines are (subject to some modifications) extended by a period of one month with effect from Tuesday, January 26, 2020.”

The PTF boss further stated that government was making good progress in its effort to access and deploy vaccines across the country.

He said, “We wish to assure all Nigerians that the vaccines will be safe and effective when eventually it is deployed. We enjoin everyone to join in the campaign to eliminate vaccine hesitancy.

“I have to however advise all Nigerians that the only source of vaccines that is safe and effective in Nigeria is through the channels of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“Please do not patronise anyone hawking or marketing vaccines.”