By Asmau Ahmad
The Federal Government has restated that the use of face masks in the country is still compulsory, noting that the directive has not been discarded contrary to assumptions.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha Mustapha who stated this, said Nigerians are slacking in wearing masks, warning that this habit is wrong because COVID-19 cases are once again rising across the globe.
The SGF said wearing a face mask is an important measure to take in protecting one’s self from the spread of the viral disease.
Mustapha stated this on Monday, at the launch of the S.C.A.L.E.S 3.0 Strategy for Accelerating Integrated COVID-19 Vaccination in Nigeria, organised by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
The SGF stressed further that Nigerians should continue to ensure the use of face masks, especially in enclosed environments.
According to Mustapha, face masks are used as a component of public health safety measures, which has been a crucial part of the country’s COVID-19 response.
He said, “Keep in mind that continuously wearing a face mask in certain public situations can help protect those who have compromised immune systems or are high-risk.
“Right now, we should emplace it in enclosed environments, when we are travelling in vehicles and when we appear in rather congested areas.
“As we get close to the end of the year with all the number of festivities, we must try as much as possible to avoid a crowded environment.
“Proper wearing of face mask will reduce the probability of transmission between an individual who is infectious and one who is susceptible to infection and helps protect those with a high risk of infection and severe disease.
“No one is safe until everyone is safe. Like HIV, COVID-19 no dey show for face,” he said.
Mustapha also stated that the S.C.A.L.E.S 3.0 strategy launch will tackle the identified implementation gaps in S.C.A.L.E.S 2.0 and bring about more accountability for performance and strengthen electronic data reporting.
According to the chairman, it is safe to state that there is a significant decline in deaths arising from COVID-19 as a result of the ongoing vaccination, adding that Nigerians should not lower their guards or give in to complacency because the virus is still very much around and can mutate.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians not to relent in observing non-pharmaceutical preventive measures like wearing face masks, social distancing, and good hand hygiene.
He also urged Nigerians to get vaccinated.
