Nigeria

COVID-19: FG declares position on imposing another nationwide lockdown

Friday, January 15, 2021 at 4:06 PM by Kess Ewubare

- The federal government has reacted to reports that it is intending to impose another lockdown over the spread of COVID-19

- A spokesperson for the government disclosed the position of the COVID-19 task force on the issue

- Some Nigerians are apprehensive over the prospects of going into another lockdown

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Despite the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the federal government said it is not contemplating another nationwide lockdown.

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Thursday, January 14, dismissed reports that it was planning to lock down the country, Vanguard reported.

COVID-19: FG declares position on imposing another nationwide lockdown — The NCDC has continued to record thousands of COVID-19 cases in the country daily. Photo: @Chikwe_I
Source: Twitter

Willie Bassey, a spokesperson for the office of the secretary to the government of the federation in a statement described the reports of another lockdown as misinformation.

The statement read in part:

“The PTF wishes to state categorically that there is no such consideration at any of its meetings nor has any recommendation been made to this effect to the president."

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FG finally orders schools to resume on January 18

The official said such misinformation is capable of causing unnecessary panic and anxiety among the populace.

He urged Nigerians to disregard the rumour and continue to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines specified by the taskforce.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has called on nations of the world, including Nigeria, not to relent in concluding plans to reopen schools for children.

UNICEF's executive director Henrietta Fore, in a statement on Tuesday, January 12, acknowledged the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the globe with its direct and indirect toll on kids.

Fore, however, noted that there is a lot of evidence that schools are not drivers of the pandemic, even in its mutant state.

In another news, the federal government has finally declared that all public and private schools across the country should resume on Monday, January 18.

The Nation reports that the decision was taken by the federal government after reaching a consensus with governors, commissioners, and other stakeholders.