The federal government has asserted that part of the measure to curtail the spread and subsequently defeat the virulent novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is for clothe manufacturer to delve into mass production of face masks.

To this end, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on  (COVID-19) Pandemic has charged clothe makers across the country to begin mass production of protective face masks.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the PTF, made the assertion on Thursday’s edition of the daily media briefing by the task force.

Mustapha, who mentioned that regular wearing of face masks, especially when outside the home, was one of the major measure put in place against contracting and spreading the disease, implored Nigerians to take responsibility and play their role in the fight against it.

“It is critical to repeat, however, that compliance with the advisories for personal hygiene, social distancing, restriction of movement, early reporting of symptoms and wearing of masks regularly, especially in public, remain the best measures for the prevention of infections and to slow down the spread.

“Let me also encourage all our garment factories and tailors all over the nation that this is the time to start producing locally, using our local fabrics, the Ankara and all other materials that we have because of advisories that as much as possible, we should wear our masks whenever we are outside our homes, that way, we’ll reduce the chances, in addition to other necessary things that you need to do, of infection or infecting others.

“Thee PTF appeals to Nigerians to take responsibility and play their roles properly. As you all know, we are in a state of war against an invisible enemy”, he said.

The SGF also urged the citizenry to display an appreciable level of decorum and cooperation when dealing with law enforcement agents during the lockdown, stressing that they had been deployed for the protection and safety of all Nigerians.

“Let me also advise that whenever you are outside the confines of your homes, make sure it is for very legitimate reasons covered by the exemption or within the hours relaxed for the purchase of basic items.

“Similarly, you should carry with you a valid means of identification. Finally, I urge everyone to please exercise patience in communicating with the law enforcement agents assigned to ensure compliance with the Presidential orders. They are there to protect all of us! The PTF continues to count on the collective cooperation of all Nigerians in our effort to contain the spread of this deadly virus”, he said.