Buhari Extends PTF Lifespan To End Of December

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lifespan of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to the end of December, 2020.

Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, stated this on Thursday at the ongoing briefing of the task force.

The PTF is supposed to wind down on the 17th of September.

The PTF was established by Buhari on March 9, 2020, to coordinate and oversee Nigeria’s multi-sectoral inter-governmental efforts to contain the spread and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

He disclosed that the objective of the extension of the lifespan was to sustain a robust multi-sectoral response to the community spread stage of the virus.

He also said it was to strengthen the health systems and other economic infrastructure.

Mustapha said: “The President has extended the work of the PTF which is supposed to end on the 17th of this month to the end of December.”

According to him, the president also approved the extension of the third phase of the eased lockdown for another four weeks, beginning from 12am on Thursday in order to address the socio-economic and health considerations.

He said the approval followed the submission of the 7th interim report of the PTF to the president and the recommendations therein.

On his part, the coordinator of the PTF, Sani Aliyu also announced the approval of the president that curfew would now begin from 12midnight to 4am, as against 10pm to 4am.

He said the new curfew did not apply to essential workers and international travellers returning from abroad.

According to him, bars and nightclubs remain closed till further notice. Also eateries and restaurants are only to open for outdoor services.

Aliyu said: “Eateries and restaurants can only open for outdoor services and we will make this is complied with.

“Bars and nightclubs to remain close till further notice.”

The coordinator also advised the elderly in the society and those with underlining illnesses to continue staying at home since there was no formal restriction on general movements within the country.

He also disclosed that the PTF would be engaging with state governments in the area of compliance with safety protocols like wearing face masks and regular had washing.

In the area of work, he advised that staff in the public sector below Grade Level 12 should continue working from home.

“For the private sector, we allow the private sector to determine the optimal working capacity within the offices while ensuring enough social distancing and preserving the health of their employ,” he noted.

He said hotels would continue to remain open but must observe all pharmaceutical interventions.

He continued: “Amusement parks, gyms and cinema can also open but remain at half capacity. Event centres that provide outdoor services can open but not indoor services.”