State governments in Nigeria have been directed to enforce the wearing of face masks in public places.
The directive was given by President Muhammadu Buhari as part of measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Daily Trust reported.
The secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who also serves as the chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 made the disclosure during a briefing in Abuja.
He said the president has mandated authorities in all Nigerian states to enforce non-pharmaceutical guidelines, primarily the use of face masks in public appearance and places
Mustapha urged state governments to collaborate with local government authorities adopting measures to contain the spread of the disease, such as contact tracing, grassroots mobilisation and risk communication among others.
In another news report, the Nigerian government on Thursday, August 6, announced another four weeks extension of the second phase of the eased COVID-19 lockdown. The announcement was made by Boss Mustapha in Abuja. Mustapha said the extension of the current ease of lockdown was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari after the COVID-19 task force on Wednesday, August 5, briefed him about the progress made so far in containing the spread the disease.
