The Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC) has expressed concern over the alarming rate at which the CORVID-19 is spreading in Nigeria which the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated as a high risk country.

The 139 officially reported cases on Thursday, April 02, 2020 by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the over 5,000 suspected cases now dispersed in several communities across the country, the CCC said in a statement on Thursday by its Executive Secretary, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas (rtd), is worrisome given the fact that many are not traceable.

“We urge that in order to proactively contain the pandemic, more testing centers for the virus should be established in all the geo-political zones if not in all the states to fast-track the testing of suspected cases.

“It is however noteworthy that the Federal and State Governments have taken drastic measures in curtailing the spread of the disease through a positive national response strategy.

“Undoubtedly, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are leaving no stone unturned towards the containment of the virus,” the Centre stressed.

It said that there is the need for an accelerated tracking of the connected people with the virus and enlightening of our citizens, especially through regular press briefings.

It also called for more emphasis on the need for social distancing by appropriate governmental agencies and the media at all levels. It added that although Nigeria’s infection level, going by the global ratio, its enforcement measures cannot be over-emphasised in the communities should the need arise.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s bold moves in “locking-down” key states, it further stated, should be a clarion call by all states across Nigeria to collectively unite against Covid-19.

CCC commendably notes the huge spontaneous donations in cash and essential medical supplies by several Captains of industry and philanthropists across Nigeria that will aid in checkmating the spread of the disease.

The Centre however cautioned that the various government agencies tasked with tackling the pandemic should ensure the judicious utilisation of the funds and medical-support equipment.

Accordingly, the Centre appealed to Nigerians to adhere to government’s directives by staying at home, while requesting for appropriate palliatives to be put in place for the poor due to the economic consequences of the lockdown orders.

The Centre appreciates the cooperation of the traditional and religious leaders and indeed all Nigerian in winning the war against the pandemic as the lockdown is a necessary sacrifice for the good of all to ensure that COVID-19 is effectively curtailed.