The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF) has cautioned Nigerians against panic buying of Hydroxychloroquine, insisting that health and pharmaceutical authorities have not yet certified the drug for treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
It apologised to journalists, medical personnel and other essential workers, who have suffered one form of harassment or the other from security agents in the course of carrying out their duties and urged governors to exercise caution in relaxing restrictions in their states.
Chairman of the PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha who stated this at the daily media briefing in Abuja, said through the PTF’s surveillance system, it had received reports that Nigerians have been buying Hydroxychloroquine in large quantities.
Mustapha, who doubles as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), cautioned that self-medication is dangerous and could increase risks of avoidable casualties.
“We, therefore, strongly warn against self-medication. If you are sick, seek medical advice and if you are confirmed positive, kindly self-isolate in an approved facility. COVID-19 is highly infectious and dangerous.
“We wish to restate that Hydroxychloroquine has not been certified for treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria by relevant health and pharmaceutical authorities,” he stressed.
He listed medical workers, journalists, fire service officers and telecommunications employees, as essential workers exempted from the 8pm to 6am curfew nationwide.
He said: “The PTF has consistently answered questions and explained the categories of persons and services exempted from some aspects of the guidelines, particularly as it relates to restrictions on inter-state movement and curfew.”
He urged all essential workers to go about their legitimate duties, but always carry their valid means of identification and be courteous in approaching security personnel.