Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of Presidential Task Force on COVID 19, PTF Mr Boss Mustapha has called on northern state governors make adequate security and provision for their Almajiri to prevent the spread of the virus.
Mr Boss Mustapha made this known at the National Briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja on Monday.
Chairman of the Taskforce urged the state governments to be responsible for the welfare, well being and safety of their Almajiris.
Mr Mustapha noted that the large gathering and cluster of the Almajiris could pose a challenge to their lives and the society.
Chairman of Presidential Task Force said testing, detection, isolation, management and contact tracing would be intensified.
The chairman of Presidential Task Force said non-pharmaceutical measures would be enhanced.
Mr Mustapha explained that PTF would continued to assess the situation nationwide which urging Nigerians at all levels to take responsibility for actions, adopt behavioral modification and ensure compliance.
Mr Mustapha explained that situation in Kano is being addressed very closely by the NCDC in strong partnership with the State government and guidance by the federal Ministry of health as well as support from our development partners.
Chairman of Presidential Task also said as at March, all payment of pensions have been paid.
Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora said Special COVlD-19 Hazard and inducement Allowance of 50% of the Consolidated basic salary is to be paid to all Health Workers in all Federal Government Teaching Hospitals and Federal Medical Centres and her designated COVlD-19 Centres and Primary Health Care Centres to last for the first three months.
Dr Mamora explained that 40% of Consolidated Basic Salary would be paid as Special COVlD19 Hazard and Inducement Allowance to healthcare workers at Special Non-Public Hospitals and Clinics in the Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for same three months period.
Dr Mamora explained that 20% of the Consolidated Basic Salary would be paid as SPECIAL RlSK ALLOWANCE in addition to the Special COVID19 Hazard and lnducement Allowance to all health workers directly managing COVlD-19 at the lnfectious Diseases Hospitals, lsolatlon and Treatment Centres.
Dr Mamora said the PTF was urged to dedicate all the Life Insurance donations to the Volunteers and National Youth Service (NYSC) Health Workers.
Director General of Nigeria Centre of Disease control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu said its medical team are working closely with Kano state government to intensify testing in the state.
Dr Ihekweazu noted that four states namely Cross-Rivers, Nasarawa, Kogi and Yobe has not recorded any case of COVID 19.
The DG expressed the need for more testing across the country due to the existing fifteen laboratories.