PTF is considering new health care regulations to strengthen COVID-19 protocols

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 is working on new health legislation to strengthen existing COVID-19 protocols across the federation.

The Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Mustapha, who disclosed this during the body’s briefing in Abuja yesterday, admitted that the world is in a critical phase of infection, therefore, Nigeria must constantly review strategies to meet the demands of the time, especially risk communication, vaccine hesitancy and fake news/disinformation.

He lamented the level of doubt surrounding the virus, urging Nigerians to support the national response.

The SGF expressed concern to the task force over the increase in daily infections in the country, stressing that on January 6, 2021 alone, 1,664 cases were recorded, the highest ever in Nigeria.

He implored lower-level authorities to improve testing and contact tracing to curb the disease.

Mustapha said it was embarrassing that some Nigerians presented false results while traveling, adding that the situation remained a major source of concern for the Federal Government.

The Chairperson said the PTF had directed private laboratories to immediately put in place measures to confirm the results and ensure that all passengers were registered on the travel portal before samples were collected.

Also speaking, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, disclosed that the most populous black nation is exploring options available for citizens to procure vaccines.

“We are confident that Nigeria will benefit from the first wave of COVAX vaccine allocation. Therefore, we have started preparations to be ready to receive vaccines. This includes an appropriate regulatory framework as well as ensuring the availability of assets and infrastructure,” he added.

Represented by the Director, Hospital Services in the Ministry, Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, the Minister announced that Nigeria has crossed the one million mark in testing.