The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 pandemic has said that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, remains one of the hotspots where community spread of the virus is prevalent.
According to NAN, the chairman of the PTF and secretary to the government of the federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while receiving a donation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worth N10 million from Rotary District 9125.
Mustapha who was represented by the permanent secretary (general services office), Mr. Olusegun Adekunle listed the affected areas to include: Mainland, Abuja Municipal, Mushin, Eti-Osa, Tarauni, Katsina, Alimosho, Maiduguri, Kosofe and Dutse.
Others were Ikeja, Nassarawa, Oshodi/Isolo, Apapa, Amuwo Odofin, Oredo, Bauchi, Lagos Island, Surulere and Ado Odo/Ota.
Mustapha blamed the rising community spread of the pandemic to poor level of compliance with the precautionary measures at the community level.
He therefore appealed to the group, led by its governor, Mr. Victor Onukhugwa, to take the COVID-19 pandemic awareness campaign to the communities.
“We want to sensitise Nigerians on the dangers of this development.
“We urge Rotary to help us take the awareness further. The risk management team is available to share strategy with the organisation,” he said.
The PTF chairman further said that the ravaging effect of COVID-19 pandemic was there for everyone to see, including the impact on both governance and the economy.
“It is for us to strategise for a new way of life. A good number of staff has not been at work for the past four months. The impact of this on the economy is glaring.
“The fatality rate is quite high. We keep telling Nigerians that please these are not just numbers, but brothers, sisters and colleagues that have passed on.
“Some groups and clubs have been trying hard for us to control this. The resources needed to fight the virus are enormous,” he added.
Mustapha thanked the group for the donation, saying some of the items had become scarce commodity due to a global demand.
“We acknowledge that the donations are useful. The items are being chased globally, even, if you have resources you might not get them.
“The donation is gratifying because hundreds of medical personnel have been infected, perhaps due to lack of the kits.
“They will be used judiciously and it will be accounted for. We received these items with gratitude,” he said.
