COVID-19: Impose Fresh Restriction On Movement, UN Tells FG

In the heat of the Second Wave of COVID-19, the United Nations (UN)  had advised President Muhammadu Buhari-led  Federal government to impose fresh restrictions on movement in the country.

Issuing this advice in its report on the response plan to COVID-19 in Nigeria, the UN explained that the restriction will help to curtail the further spread of the pandemic in the country.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Nigerians' Attitude Will Determine Fresh Lockdown –PTF

Further imploring Nigeria's government to implement such restrictions in communities, the report by UN read:

“Infection control measures based on restricting movement and interpersonal contact can be effective in slowing down the transmission of infection, giving healthcare systems more time and capacity to cope with COVID-19. These measures – including isolation, physical distancing will only be effective if a community-wide implementation is successful.

“As the mitigation measures will require people to self-impose difficult restrictions on their social interactions and movements, there is a need for a robust risk communication strategy that expands the web of community engagement and cooperation.

“In this regard, we deployed culturally sensitive communication strategies co-created with the Lagos State government, Local Government administrators, Civic Leaders, women’s organisations and networks, Religious and Traditional Leaders to ensure open and honest transmission of messages.”

Recall that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had earlier blamed travellers, reopening of schools and businesses for the upsurge of COVID-19 cases.

Also, the PTF on Tuesday warned that Nigerians compliance or non-compliance to COVID-19 protocols will determine if the Federal Government will impose a fresh lockdown or not.

According to the National Coordinator of the PTF,  Sani Aliyu, no decision has been taken on a fresh lockdown yet, but public attitude will determine whether or not the task force would impose a fresh lockdown.