PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday, approved resumption of duties by federal civil servant below grade level 12 who have been stopped from work since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The civil servants according to the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, are to return to work from Monday.
Mustapha in Abuja, said, “After a very careful review of the national response, the PTF believes that while recent numbers point to a likely flattening of the curve consistent with emerging epidemic control, Nigeria is not yet ready for a full reopening of the economy.
“It has accordingly recommended and Mr President has approved the following.
“That Nigeria further relaxes the restrictions in this third phase of the response, while maintaining key limitations to curb the risk of a spike in cases. The major changes proposed by the PTF are as follows:
“Gradual and safe re-opening of schools and NYSC camps; Re-commencement of sporting leagues, in particular, all outdoor activities such as football;
“Sustaining the midnight-4am curfew on movement nationwide; and removal of the limitation on civil servants allowed to come to work.
“Continue to monitor the impact of school re-opening and the commencement of international travel and enforcing compliance with the protocols set out for the safe resumption of these activities; and maintaining the already established non-pharmaceutical interventions nationwide in order to flatten the curve.
“The reopening of the international airspace has been largely successful with most passengers following the laid down regulations and adhering to testing requirements.
“We have not seen a spike of cases since the reopening of the airspace.
“The PTF, however, noted the huge challenge posed to our national response by states as a result of poor engagement which manifests strongly in the form of the low level of sample collection across the country.
“After a very careful review of the national response, the PTF believes that while recent numbers point to a likely flattening of the curve consistent with emerging epidemic control, Nigeria is not yet ready for a full reopening of the economy.”
“In Nigeria, the PTF continues to rely on data, research, science and experience of other nations to inform decisions at all stages.
“Our National response to COVID-19 remains targeted at achieving the purposes of epidemic control through reduced transmission and minimizing mortality among vulnerable parts of the population.
“Till date, Nigeria has sustained the substantial successes earlier recorded.
“Although statistics show that the pandemic is not slowing down globally, the number of recorded cases in Nigeria have remained between 100-200 daily for the last four weeks with a progressive fall in the case fatality rate to 1.9 percent.”
