As some State governments have relaxed the ban on large gatherings and allowed religious congregations, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19 has reiterated its warning that “large gatherings beyond 20 persons remain prohibited and this should be adhered to.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who chairs the PTF, gave the warning at a media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
While congratulating the Muslims in Nigeria for the successful completion of the Ramadan fast, he cautioned that “as we celebrate, we want to once again caution on the need to wear a mask, keep physical distances, avoid large congregations, avoid unnecessary inter-state travels and observe personal hygiene amongst other suggested safety measures.
“The foregoing admonition becomes critical as we prepare for celebrations at the end of the month of Ramadan.
“It is the prayer of the PTF that we shall all celebrate this Sallah and many more in good health and beseech the Almighty to accept our supplication and look upon our Nation and the World, with mercy.”
The SGF recalled that: “During the meeting with the governors, the issue of alignment of their state level actions with the guidelines issued was emphasized.
“Similarly emphasized is the need for states to diligently implement and enforce compliance. Particularly, I underscored the need for the governors to provide personal and strong leadership, carry the policy of community ownership to the grass roots and create deeper awareness.
“The governors were also advised on the decision taken by some of their colleagues to permit large gatherings as such decisions could inadvertently endanger the elderly, the sick and those with underlying factors during such gatherings.
“The strong advisory from the PTF is that large gatherings beyond 20 persons remains prohibited and should be adhered to.”
