President Buhari Mandates Use Of Face Mask In Public Places Nationwide

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his order mandating the use of face masks in public places.

The President also directed the state governments and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to enforce the directive.

Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Task (PTF) Force on COVID-19 disclosed this at the daily briefing of the PTF on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Mustapha, the president also approved that the current phase of the National Response to COVID-19 be maintained for another four weeks, but with some modifications.

“President Buhari also asked the PTF to partner with states and local governments to improve community sensitisation and engagement to step up response to the COVID-19 response,” he said.

“He also encouraged state governments to collaborate with local government authorities to intensify necessary measures such as contact tracing, grassroots mobilisation and risk communication.

“He also ordered that collaboration with other mandate groups at federal/state levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response be strengthened on the short, medium and long-term basis.”

The PTF Chairman further warned against stigmatisation and skepticism among Nigerians in the fight against the pandemic.

“I wish to remind all Nigerians that this fight is for everyone; everyone must take responsibility,” he added.

“Disbelief and skepticism will further complicate our situation; we should not stigmatise anyone infected. Our communities should own the response and educate our citizens.”