FG wants states to scale up COVID-19 testing

The presidential task force on COVID-19 has asked all states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to reopen all laboratories and scale up testing for COVID-19.

Chairman of the task force, Boss Mustapha, said reports received point to the fact that laboratories recently established in states are not working optimally.

He announced that the passports of the first 100 passengers that have failed to take their post-arrival PCR test would be suspended until June 2021 to serve as a deterrent.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has predicted that January 2021 would be a tough month as government renews its efforts in fighting the scourge of COVID-19.

The director-general of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, said Nigerians have refused to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols, causing the national response to pass through a challenging phase.