The Centre for Crisis Communication, CCC, has endorsed the lockdowm measure adopted by the Federal Government against the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
The Executive Secretary of the Centre, Yusuf Anas, in a statement signed on Wednesday in Abuja, appealed to Nigerian government to open more centers for testing the virus in all the states to fast- track testing of suspected cases.
Mr Anas, a retired air-commodore, noted that the rate at which the pandemic was spreading in the country is alarming.
He said: “The 139 officially reported cases yesterday by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the over 5000 suspected cases embedded now dispersed in several communities across the country is no doubt worrisome given the fact that many are not traceable.”
He, however, applauded the Nigerian government for the measures it had taken in curtailing the spread of the disease through a positive national response strategy.
“Undoubtedly, the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, are leaving no stone unturned towards the containment of the deadly virus.
“There is the need for an accelerated tracking of the connected people with the virus and enlightening of our citizens, especially through regular press briefings,” he stated.
Mr Anas also reiterated the need for social distancing advocated by agencies and the media at all levels.
He said: “Going by Nigeria’s infection level by the global ratio, enforcement measures cannot be overemphasized in our communities should the need arise.
“President Muhammadu Buhari’s bold moves in “locking-down” key states should be a clarion call by all states across Nigeria to collectively unite against Covid 19.”
While commending the donations in cash and essential medical supplies by several captains of industries and philanthropists across the country, the CCC appealed to various government agencies tasked with tackling the pandemic to ensure the judicious utilization of the funds and medical support equipment in order to curtail the spread of the disease.
The Centre also appealed to Nigerians to adhere to the governments directives by ‘Staying at Home’.
It also requested for appropriate palliatives to be put in place for the poor due to the economic consequences of the Stay-at-Home orders.
The Centre also appreciated the cooperation of traditional and religious leaders and as well as the general public for standing firm in the war against the pandemic, adding that the lockdown was a necessary sacrifice to ensure that the virus is effectively curtailed.
