Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has released a number of equipment to Kano State to beef up the COVID-19 response in the state.
These include 2 Oxygen Concentrators, 3 Ventilators, 280 Protective gowns, 51 face shields, 538 examination gloves, 25 boot covers, Medical masks & Surgical caps and IR Thermometers.
Speaking at the daily national briefing on Thursday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the PTF on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, promised that the PTF will continue to engage the Kano state government in a collaborative effort to fight the spread of the virus.
He stated that the high-level technical team sent to Kano on Monday has already submitted its Interim Report.
Mustapha noted that plans are underway to establish additional isolation and treatment facilities with capacity for 500 persons.
“I wish to use this opportunity to reassure all Nigerians resident in Kano that the Federal Government and particularly this PTF is with them and shall do all possible to fight the spread in the State as directed by the President. Kano is one of our historical cities and remains a backbone for the economy of this nation,” the SGF said.
“I wish to inform you that the already established isolation and treatment centres with holding capacity for 274 persons, the proposed establishment of additional facilities with capacity for 500, 2 Sample Collection centres along with 6 new proposed centres have provided a strong foundation for tackling the spread of the virus in the State.
“Similarly, the Nigerian Military, under its COVID-19 response plan, will establish an additional isolation Centre, Treatment facility and a Testing Laboratory Service in Kano State.
“The PTF COVID-19, in the immediate, would further strengthen Kano state to scale-up its response with the provision of necessary facilities and equipment, capacity building, improving stakeholder inter-phase and guidance on any existing policy capable of diminishing the fight against the pandemic in the state.
“Already, the testing laboratories in the AKTH and the BUK have become fully functional.
“I am confident that the above collaboration complemented by the lockdown directed by the President will be effective in slowing down the spread while we continue to test, detect, isolate, contact trace and manage cases.
“Also, the on-going investigation into the causes of the recently reported high number of deaths will be pursued to a logical conclusion.”
He stated that, as Lagos, Ogun and the FCT approach the commencement of the first of a three phased easing of lockdown from Monday May 4th, 2020, Nigerians must “receive and digest the implementation guidelines”.
The PTF chairman said security agents have been instructed to respect the rights of citizens while also ensuring strict enforcement.
“It is also important for States, Law enforcement Agents, trade associations, employers, businesses and citizens to understand their roles, obligations and responsibilities,” Mustapha said.
“Above all, we must understand that this is still a war against an unseen and potent enemy. No one should mistake the easing of restrictions for permission to act without care.”
The PTF is adopting a combination of channels to create enhanced awareness and understanding of these new guidelines. These include:
• Publication in print media i.e traditional and social media;
• Broadcast on electronic media;
• Dissemination in local languages; and
• Use of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in disseminating to all the 774 Local Government Areas of the country.
“To complement the above, members of the PTF would be participating in different Television and Radio programmes to elucidate these guidelines,” the SGF added.
