COVID-19: Things may get worse, govt warns

The Federal Government has said that the situation of in Nigerian could get worse and has therefore, called on citizens to supports its efforts to curtail the spread of the pandemic.

It also said that it may have no option than employ tougher measures like the deployment of the military and police to ensure people observe its directive on social distancing.

This was stated by the Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, during a briefing in Abuja on Monday.

Mohammed frowned that some religious leaders flouted government directive against large gatherings.

“The Federal Government is aware that some political and religious leaders have either denied the existence of coronavirus or have defied the directives to avoid a large gathering.

“Leaders of all hues must show great responsibility at this time. They must avoid putting the lives of not just their followers but also those of the general public in danger.

“Nigerians too must take responsibility, do what they are requested to do to stay safe and stop blaming others. For those who would continue to willfully flout the directives aimed at checking the spread of this disease, the long arm of the law will soon catch them,” he said.

On government plans to employ tougher measure to contain the spread of the pandemic, Mohammed hinted that the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus had recommended some tougher measures.

He said the measured would be made known to the public later this Monday or Tuesday morning.

“We want to appeal to Nigerians to continue to support the efforts of the government at all levels to defeat this coronavirus. We are hoping for the best in our efforts to contain the disease, but we are prepared for the worst.

“The truth is that things may yet get worse than it is now, hence the need for all hands to be on deck. Tougher decisions may yet be on the way to contain this disease. But whatever decision is taken will be in the best interest of Nigerians,” he added.
The number of affected persons continues to increase by the day in Nigeria.

The country earlier on Monday announced first death as a result of the deadly virus.