COVID-19: Buhari approves task force suggestions, asks Abuja, Lagos residents to stay at home

President Muhammadu Buhari has advised all Lagos and Abuja residents to stay at home over coronavirus pandemic.

This was contained in a statement Femi Adesina, the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, released Monday night.

He said Buhari gave the advise following the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on #Coronavirus, #PTFCOVID19.

The statement read in full:

“President Muhammadu Buhari, on the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on #Coronavirus, #PTFCOVID19 has approved the following additional measures:

“Suspension of weekly FEC meetings until further notice.

“Postponement of meeting of Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26 March, 2020.

“All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed to human traffic for 4 weeks effect from 23rd March, 2020

“In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;

“If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;

“Federal Government is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to #COVID19

“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given.

“#PTFCOVID19 assures all Nigerians of the concern of President Muhammadu Buhari and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response.
However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of #COVID19.

“The Presidential Task Force #PTFCOVID19 shall be updating Nigerians from time to time as the need arises.”

The number of people infected with the dreaded virus in Nigeria have now risen to 40.

The country recorded its first death as the result of the pandemic on Monday.