Categories: Headlines

FG Rules Out Another COVID-19 Lockdown Amid Rising Cases

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire (2nd left) attended a press briefing at the State House in Abuja on August 12, 2021.

 

The Federal Government on Thursday said it was not considering a lockdown despite rising cases of COVID-19 infections across the country.

Speaking at the weekly ministerial briefing organized at the State House in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the number of cases were not threatening enough, yet, for a lockdown to be considered.

On Wednesday Nigeria had recorded 790 cases of new COVID-19 infections, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The figure was the highest in about six months.

A recent surge in infections has been partly attributed to the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious and deadlier.

Nigeria is expected to step up its Covid vaccination program after receiving over four million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the US government last week.

Only about one percent of the population has been vaccinated, so far.

The second phase of the national vaccination programme is expected to kick-off next Monday.

More vaccines expected

Minister Ehanire also said on Thursday Nigeria is not only relying on donated vaccines from other entities.

The countries has benefitted from vaccines donated by COVAX and the US.

According to Ehanire, Nigeria has procured nearly 40 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine through the African Union.

He also assured those who have taken the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine of the availability of second doses by the end of August when 3.9 million doses of the vaccine type is expected to arrive the country.

No work, no pay

On the current strike action by resident doctors across the country, Minister Ehanire said the Federal government would implement a ‘no work, no pay’ rule.

He said the doctors, under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, should obliterate the option of strike as a tool to resolve their issues.

Minister Ehanire said the doctors should consider other options in the interest of the country, particularly at a time the country is in a war situation.

Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, has earlier threatened that the Federal Government would replace the striking doctors.

The doctors are striking over unpaid benefits, among other issues.

 

 

Solomon Elusoji

Disqus Comments Loading...
Share
Published by
Solomon Elusoji

Recent Posts

Alleged Certificate Forgery: Court Grants Senator Friday Benson, N50m Bail

In addition, the lawmaker must provide two sureties with landed properties in the Federal Capital…

2 mins ago

Alleged Tax Evasion: FG To Arraign Binance, Two Others On April 4

The Federal Government accused Binance of neglecting to register with FIRS for tax purposes and…

4 mins ago

FAAN Shuts KFC Lagos Airport Outlet

FAAN directed KFC to apologise to the affected passenger without further delay.

6 mins ago

Six Enugu Assembly LP Members Defect To PDP

Those who defected are Ejike Eze, (Igbo-Eze North 1);  Johnson Ugwu (Enugu North) Princess Ugwu…

38 mins ago

LP’s BoT Takes Over Party, Insists Abure’s Tenure Has Expired

The LP and the NLC have been at loggerheads recently, with the latter accusing the…

48 mins ago

Alleged Fraud: FCT Court Discharges, Acquits Adoke In OPL 245 Trial

Justice Kutigi said the EFCC failed to prove its charges of fraud, bribery and money…

2 hours ago