Risk of contracting Coronavirus is now higher than before - PTF coordinator, Sani Aliyu

Sani Aliyu, the national coordinator of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 has disclosed that the risk of contracting Coronavirus is now higher than before in Nigeria. 

Aliyu who revealed this during a PTF briefing in Abuja on Thursday June18, hinged it on relaxation of the lockdown order in different states across the country. 

He said; 

“The PTF continues to be very concerned about the issue of compliance. As you are aware, we are here to push for the containment of COVID-19 in the country through data-driven medical advisories. 

“The fact that we are receiving many reports on the flouting of the guidelines, the hint by individuals, groups and organisations is simply unacceptable.

“As I said in the past, COVID-19 is far from over globally, neither is it over in Nigeria.

“There’s no doubt that a lot of community transmission is happening and it continues to increase across the states. Now more than ever before, if you go out, you’re more likely to get COVID-19 than before.

“Your risk of acquiring COVID-19 because of the numbers we have now is more than three, four weeks or five weeks ago when we had a lockdown, so there really isn’t any room or relaxation at this point.”

The PTF Cordinator who called on Nigerians to observe all health guidelines, also stated that the lockdown was relaxed to sustain the livelihood of Nigerians especially those who depend on daily income for survival. 

Aliyu added; 

“It wasn’t because COVID-19 has gone and it wasn’t because we should be more relaxed in terms of our prevention measures. 

He disclosed that the federal government is working with security agencies to enforce compulsory adherence to the COVID-19 guidelines, as the PTF “will not sit back and allow public safety to be endangered by a few”.