FG considers another lockdown as COVID-19 cases rise

FG considers another lockdown as COVID-19 cases rise

- There are indications that Nigeria may be forced to go on another lockdown soon

- The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 says it is concerned that Nigerians are not adhering to the guidelines in preventing the spread

- One of the options likely to be adopted by the presidential team is another lockdown, especially if cases continue to rise

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The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has warned that another lockdown is likely in Nigeria with the rising cases of coronavirus in the country.

The PTF expressed concerns that Nigerians have continued to shun the prescribed protocols despite the second wave of the virus hitting hard.

National coordinator of the PTF, Dr Sani Aliyu, said the only way to prevent a re-introduction of a lockdown is by adhering to the advisories by citizens.

FG considers another lockdown as COVID-19 cases rise
Dr Sani said if the numbers continue to go up, the government will strongly consider another lockdown. Photo credit: @DigiCommsNG
Source: Twitter

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The Nation quoted him saying:

“If numbers continue to go up, all options are on the table. They may be inconvenient, but they will not be as difficult as a lockdown.
“We are talking holistically here. All I can say is that 33 people died of COVID-19 in the last one week. Are we saying those people died for nothing? We have just recorded 6,000 cases in one week, far more than we ever recorded.”

Many Nigerians continue to kick against any plan to lockdown.

Comments monitored on social media by Legit.ng indicates a massive opposition to any plan to lockdown the country again.

Mpi Kenneth Chinaka wrote on Facebook:

“Lockdown is not the solution. No one is thinking. People are busy looking for solutions.”

Ebute Atikugbasky Peter wrote:

“Lockdown is not the solution, go get vaccines for your citizens.”

Ejike Stephen wrote:

“Lock which people down? I swear they won't succeed this time around.”

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Mattino Cfr wrote:

“You're thinking of lockdown when our airports are still open to London returnees and other affected countries to enter Nigeria. Masses are always the target to be punished for their failure.”

Chijioke Onah wrote:

“Let them continue deceiving themselves with fake unfounded pandemic! Scam everywhere!”

Meanwhile, former vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Oye Ibidapo-Obe, has been declared dead.

Family sources say Professor Ibidapo-Obe died at the age of 71 due to COVID-19 complications.

In a related development, US president-elect Joe Biden has appointed Nigerian-born Osaremen Okolo as one of his advisers on COVID-19.

Okolo was appointed on Thursday, December 31, as one of the members of the Biden-Harris COVID-19 response team.

COVID-19: Is Nigeria ready for another lockdown | Legit TV

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Jerrywright Ukwu avatar

Jerrywright Ukwu Jerrywright Ukwu is an Abuja-based senior political/defence correspondent. He is a graduate of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos and the International Institute of Journalism in Abuja. He is also a member of the Nigeria Union of Journalists. He spends his leisure-time reading history books. He can be reached via email at jerrywright39@yahoo.com.