TheCable

The federal government has extended phase three of the eased COVID-19 lockdown by one month.

Boss Mustapha, chairman of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19, announced this on Monday during its weekly briefing.

Mustapha said the COVID-19 guidelines are still subject to modifications.

“The PTF is improving on the International Travel Portal to minimise the challenges passengers keep encountering,” he said.

“Similarly, it is reviewing the guidelines on the implementation of phase three of the eased lockdown which is due to expire today.

“In view of the fact that our numbers are not abating, all extant measures prescribed in these guidelines are (subject to some modifications) extended by a period of one month with effect from Tuesday, January 26, 2020.”

Mustapha said the management of infections in the country is improving with the availability of medical oxygen and that the government is fast-tracking the rehabilitation of existing plants and construction of new ones.

He said efforts to access and deploy COVID-19 vaccines are progressing, adding the 100,000 doses that Nigeria is expecting will arrive in early February.

He also advised Nigerians not to patronise anyone hawking or marketing COVID-19 vaccines.

“We wish to assure all Nigerians that the vaccines will be safe and effective when eventually it is deployed. We enjoin everyone to join in the campaign to eliminate vaccine hesitancy,” he said.

“I have to however advise all Nigerians that the only source of vaccines that is safe and effective in Nigeria is through the channels of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

“Please do not patronise anyone hawking or marketing vaccines.”