President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the mandate of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 to March 2021 as a result of the new surge in the number of cases, and the bid for vaccines.

The president said, “Nigeria cannot afford to lose the gains of the last nine months and remain convinced that urgent measures have to be taken to halt the spread of the Coronavirus and the attendant fatalities.

Now is the time for collective efforts to be intensified. I therefore urge all sub-national entities, traditional rulers, religious and leaders of thought to collaborate with the PTF by taking up the responsibility for risk communication and community engagement at all levels.

As the festive season approaches, I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and stay safe. Non-essential trips and large social gatherings should be avoided or shelved completely,” he said.