The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 in Nigeria yesterday warned of a possible third wave of the pandemic that is ravaging some foreign countries amid ongoing vaccinations.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who is also the PTF chairman gave the warning at the joint national briefing, saying Nigerians should be careful with home-based care as there may not be enough facilities and personnel to manage patients in times of emergencies.
‘It is in this vein that concerted efforts have been made to ensure that oxygen is available for patients in all the 46 facilities,’ he said.
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He said as at March 14, 2021, bed occupancy had reduced to 1.22 percent and active cases stood at 13,245.
‘Unfortunately, Nigeria crossed 2,000 fatalities on March 12, 2021, and now we have 2,013 recorded deaths.’
The SGF acknowledged reports from around the world, in the last few days, focused on the safety and side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine currently being rolled out in the country.
He, however, said Nigerian authorities have tested and authorized the use of the vaccines because it was safe and efficacious.
The SGF said discussions with KLM and Emirates were on-going on the issue of pre-boarding testing for passengers whose final destination of travel is their home bases.
He said KLM agreed to resume outbound flights from Lagos yesterday without RDTs, while a letter has been written to Emirates to suspend flights with effect from midnight Wednesday, March 17.
He said discussions were on-going to resolve the matter amicably.
He also recalled that at the beginning of the ban on international and domestic travels, airports in Nigeria were locked down.
‘The ban has since been lifted after necessary infrastructure, personnel, and systems were put in place in Lagos and Abuja airports. In order to further energize the economies of states in the North-West, South-South and South-East, a timetable has been prepared for the reopening of Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu international airports.’
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
