The Federal Government has ordered total closure of land borders and suspension of Federal Executive Council meetings as part of preventive measures against the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, made this known on Monday in Abuja at a news conference.
Mr Mustapha also said the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday had been postponed.
Mustapha is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.
“President Muhammadu Buhari on the recommendation of PTF has approved the following additional measures,” he said.
“All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, March 23;
“In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately.
“All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given,” he said.
Mustapha said the government’s strategy was to focus on testing, detection and containment through contact tracking in order to minimise hugely, the possibility of community spread.
He urged anyone experiencing the symptoms of the virus or has been in contact with anyone who had been suspected or tested positive to report at the nearest medical facility or the designated center.
“The PTF continues to monitor the global and domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.
“As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken,” he said.
