CLEEN Foundation: Poor compliance with PTF rules contributing to rise in COVID-19 cases

The CLEEN Foundation, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), says Nigeria has recorded a spike in COVID-19 cases because of poor compliance with guidelines set by the presidential task force on COVID-19.

In a statement on Wednesday, Benson Olugbuo, CLEEN executive director, said a survey carried out by his organisation showed that there is poor adherence to physical distancing, non-compliance to curfew and disobedience to the ban on mass gatherings, among others.

Olugbuo called on Nigerians to fully comply with the guidelines to avoid the spread of COVID-19.

“In the south-west region, the adherence to physical distancing in public places particularly in markets, banks, commercial vehicles remained very low across the six states,” he said.

“Our observers in the north-central reported low compliance by citizens across the States in the region.

“[The] 8:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew, sequel to the lifting of the stay at home order, the 8:00 pm to 6:00 am curfew was introduced by the federal government.

“This has been adopted by most of the states in the federation. Our observers in the six states in the south-south, reported partial compliance by citizens to the curfew and sit-at-home restrictions by the various state governments.

“About 53% of CLEEN Foundation’s observers noted low and moderate compliance to the government ban on public gathering.

“Places observed include worship centres, religious celebrations, weddings, funerals and market places. In Bayelsa state, our volunteers observed that a political rally was held in Toro-orua community in Sagbama LGA with over 300 persons in attendance.”

He said there has been poor supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs) to health workers and security agents.

The executive director said there should be more testing centers at senatorial districts across the country,

He said security agents found extorting citizens should be “disciplined appropriately to serve as deterrent to other officers.”

“[There should be] citizens’ enlightenment and awareness campaign on the proper use of facemasks should be intensified by the various state governments,” Olugbuo said.

“The state governments need to properly access the COVID-19 situation in their states with regards to the proprietary or otherwise on the lifting of the ban on public gatherings.”

So far, the country has recorded 10,819 cases of COVID-19. While 3,239 patients have been discharged, 314 have died.