The Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 has lamented the increasing rate of COVID- 19 cases among people in government , saying it was directly impacting on governance and security in the country.

The PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation , Boss Mustapha , who stated this at the task force press briefing in Abuja , also said the possibility of ordering a fresh total lockdown to curtail further spread of the virus could not be ruled out .

The SGF , who advised prominent Nigerians to take COVID – 19 protocols seriously, said the virus does not respect status .

Mustapha ’ s warning came amid rising cases of COVID- 19 among state governors and other prominent Nigerians . Recently state governors , including David Umahi of Ebonyi , Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta and their Ondo State counterpart , Rotimi Akeredolu , contracted the virus .

Warning people in authority , the SGF said , “ Of recent , we have witnessed a high rate of positive cases especially among people in authority . This has a direct impact on governance and security of our nation . We urge that vigilance and care should be exhibited by all Nigerians , irrespective of status . This virus does not discriminate and the PTF shall keep sustaining its sensitisation messaging. ”

We can ’t rule out fresh total lockdown – PTF
When asked if the task force would be considering a fresh lockdown in the face of what it observed as disregard for guidelines , Mustapha said events of coming weeks would determine the next line of action .

He said , “ We will not speculate on what will happen in future but we will protect the lives of Nigerians .

“ To achieve that , if it means to lock down again , we will not shy away from that responsibility . We will recommend to the President who will look at the report and take a decision on our recommendation . What happens in the next two three weeks will determine what we will do . ”

Punch