During joint briefings, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), explained the reason for not wearing face masks like other members of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.
According to Chikwe, face masks should be reserved for those infected or the frontline medical personnel treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases. He also revealed that the country is yet to develop a policy for the general wearing of face masks.
He emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy before implementing a national policy on mask-wearing, stressing the importance of ensuring access to masks and conducting a risk assessment based on emerging evidence.
Dr. Chikwe also shared that the NCDC is in the process of finalizing the face mask policy, which is currently under review within the agency. He anticipated releasing the policy soon to ensure alignment among all stakeholders.