The Federal government has issued a warning about the possible rise in the number of Coronavirus, COVID-19 cases given the ongoing EndSARS protests across the country. Speaking about the protests, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha noted that in the next two weeks the cases of COVID-19 would have increased.
He said each and everyone that attended the protest and did not put up any form of protection is likely going to spread the virus adding that when people contract the virus during the protest gathering, they will go back home and spread it.
According to Mustapha, who is also the Chairman, Presidential Task Force, PTF on COVID-19, there is the need for caution when people congregate noting that large gathering without observing the NCDC protocols will create a potential opportunity for carriers to spread the virus.
He said though Nigeria has done pretty well so far adding that the protest is like a setback which must be avoided to guide against a resurgence of the virus.
Everyevery.ng had earlier reported that the Security Committee in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT has announced that street demonstrations are prohibited in Abuja as part of efforts to review the security situation to address identified challenges in the city.
The Committee stated that though it recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, however, it noted that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols.
According to the committee, the violation of the COVID-19 protocols endangers the lives of not only the demonstrators but also other citizens going about their legitimate businesses.