The National Coordinator, Presidential Taskforce [PTF] on Covid-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, says the Catholics has given the Federal Government 425 hospitals as isolation centres.

Aliyu said this on Monday at a PTF press briefing on the pandemic in Abuja.

He said,

“I wish to remind our governors that the Catholic Bishops Conference has volunteered all the 425 hospitals and clinics nationwide for adaptation and use as isolation centres. Governors are encouraged to please approach Catholic bishops in their states to access these facilities.”

He added that the PTF would continue to prioritise the human and economic needs of the people based on global guidelines and protection of health services.

He also assured of the Federal Government’s determination to protect jobs in the formal and informal sector in spite of the pandemic.

Aliyu said the PTF had placed special interest on COVID-19 cases in the North- East and North -West as well as the spikes in hot spots in the country.

He emphasised the need for governors to identify spaces for isolation of persons who tested positive for coronavirus.

He expressed concerns that many states had yet to provide the 300-bed space.

He said,

“It is important we start considering schools, academic institutions and even abandoned buildings because we need to build our isolation capacity.”