Gentlemen of the Press.
I welcome you all to the briefing for Monday 20th April, 2020.
2. I am sure you have all followed the developments around the world and in our country in particular since the last briefing. These are developments that drive home the danger that COVID-19 poses to our health and our wealth.
3. Ladies and gentlemen, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of several Nigerians and the PTF sincerely condoles with all families that have lost loved ones to this virus. Every life is precious to us and every loss challenges the efforts we have put into this fight while demanding that we do more in our response.
On the 17th of April 2020, we lost the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari. He was fully committed to ensuring Nigeria responded effectively to the challenge of COVID-19 and he died in the line of duty. We will always remember his robust efforts, his dedication and unwavering commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to manage the impact of this pandemic.
5.This development has renewed our resolve to remain focused on the response to COVID-19 in honour of the late Chief of Staff and those that have fallen victim to this pandemic. This is indeed not a joke but a fight that must be won.
6.Given the increase in the number of confirmed cases in the last week, the PTF remains conscious of the fact that we are far from the end of this outbreak in Nigeria. We, therefore, must focus even more vigorously on our strategy of increasing testing, isolating confirmed cases, following up with contacts of cases and managing confirmed cases to recovery.
7.The PTF recognizes, regrettably, the unintentional violation of the principles and protocols that form the core of our messaging to Nigerians, at the funeral of the late Chief of Staff. These principles for emphasis, include:
the guidance provided on mass gatherings;
ii. social distancing;
iii. Personal Hygiene; and
iv. restriction of movements.
8. Lessons have been learnt and appropriate measures have been taken to close all gaps. We assure all Nigerians of their safety and the determination of the PTF to combat the pandemic.
9. The significant increase in the number of cases and distribution across states underscore the importance of remaining focused as citizens and as a nation because of the enormity of the challenges ahead.
10. This is the time for all hands to be on deck so that the PTF can improve on its delivery. We must all come together because we face a common enemy and potential risk. We must flatten the curve at all cost and restore our country to full activity.
11. I shall now invite the Hon Minister of Health to update you.
