The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has warned Nigerians to be careful and keep obeying the set guidelines in order to avoid the country sliding into possible third wave of the coronavirus.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation and PTF Chairman, Boss Mustapha, at the briefing in Abuja, said that no one could yet heave a sigh of relief despite availability of COVID-19 vaccines.
He stated that “For the avoidance of doubt, the virus is very potent and people still get infected. It is also a fact that the vaccination process has only just begun. It has been reported that some countries are recording a third wave of cases.
“The PTF will like to caution Nigerians on home-based care as there may not be enough facilities and personnel to manage patients in times of emergencies.
“We urge all Nigerians to recognise that we are not yet out of the woods. Therefore, the PTF shall continue to emphasis and promote the strict adherence to the non-pharmaceutical interventions.”
Italy, France and Germany are some of the countries currently experiencing third wave of the virus, with Italy scheduled for fresh lockdown, whereby people will only be allowed to leave their homes for essential errands. Most shops will be closed, along with bars and restaurants.
Italy had experienced 27,000 new cases and 380 deaths last Friday.
In his statement, Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Faisal Shuaib, said that, so far, there has been no official report of serious adverse effects associated with the AstraZeneca Vaccine among those that had received the vaccine.
“Mild side effects such as swelling on the site of the vaccination are expected, as this is normal,” Shuaib explained.