The Federal Government on Monday expressed concerns that the transmission of COVID-19 is putting intense pressure on health workers and intensive care units in various hospitals across the country.
It also warned that the decision arrived at by the nation’s policymakers and citizens would go along to determine its level of success in tackling the virus, especially in the second wave.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha made the statement at the PTF press briefing in Abuja.
“Vaccines remain critical in the battle. But we must remain well informed because of the intense transmission which is putting enormous pressure on the hospitals, intensive care units, and health workers in our different communities.
“Let me state that decisions made by leaders and citizens will determine the level of our success in tackling the acute phase,” he said.
While urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, he also pleaded for patience as the nation strives to secure the much-anticipated vaccines for the protection of its citizenry.
“The PTF wishes to reassure Nigerians that no stone will be left unturned in the effort to access safe and efficacious vaccines. We, therefore, plead for patience and vigilance. We also plead with Nigerians not to procure uncertified vaccines from the black market.
“The issue of vaccines continues to dominate discussions and major policy and financial decisions by various countries of the world. As you are aware, NAFDAC in the course of the week granted emergency use authorization for the use of AstraZeneca vaccines in Nigeria. This decision was reached after due process by the regulatory body,” he said.
