…Pledges support to infected health workers
Following the increasing cases of Coronavirus pandemic in Kano State coupled with the mysterious death the has rocked the state in recent time, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the enforcement of total lockdown in Kano state for a period of two weeks with immediate effect.
Buhari who issued the directive in a nationwide broadcast on Sunday stated that the federal government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States.
He added that the revised guidelines approved for the phased and gradual easing of lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, FCT and some other states would not apply to Kano State.
He said, “As we continue to streamline our response in the centers of Lagos and the FCT, I am gravely concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days.
“Although an in-depth investigation is still ongoing, we have decided to deploy additional federal government manpower, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the state government’s efforts, with immediate effect.
“In Kano, and indeed many other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.
“Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Presidential Task Force and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. These include regular hand washing, physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings.”
While commending the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure Nigeria win this fight, the President said, “For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period.”
“I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to our government”, he added.
Buhari further disclosed that over 10,000 healthcare workers had been trained even as he said that for their protection, additional personal protective equipment had been distributed to all the states.
“Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establishing a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals can work safely and are properly equipped. In keeping with our government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations.
“We have also procured insurance cover for 5,000 frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes”, added.
He observed that the distribution and expansion of palliatives which he directed in his earlier broadcast was still ongoing in a transparent manner even as he said he was mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens while urging “all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to finetune our logistical and distribution processes working with the state governments.”
Photo: President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria.
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