COVID-19: NYSC to administer vaccine on corps members in camps

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) says it will partner with relevant agencies to commence the vaccination of corps members at their orientation camps.

According to NAN, Shuaibu Ibrahim, NYSC director-general, broke the news on Tuesday at the permanent NYSC orientation camp, Emure LGA of Ekiti.

The director-general, who was represented by Mary Chikezie, Ekiti coordinator, said the move is to ensure safety against the viral COVID-19 pandemic.

Ibrahim urged the corps members to get vaccinated, adding that the commission may soon make vaccination compulsory for prospective corps members.

“I wish to remind you of the need to continue to comply with COVID-19 preventive protocols throughout the orientation period,” he said.

“In particular, you must ensure physical distancing and wearing of face masks as well as make good use of hand washing facilities provided at strategic locations among others safety measures.

“As you may be aware, the Federal Government has announced plan to make presentation of evidence of COVID-19 vaccination by civil servants, a prerequisite for gaining entry to public offices from Dec. 1.

“I therefore, encourage those of you, who are yet to take the vaccine to do so without further delay as this rule could apply to corps members in their primary place of assignments.

“We are already in touch with relevant authorities with a view to ensuring that the vaccines are made available to you in the course of this programme.”

On October 13, Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), said workers who fail to get vaccinated will be barred from entering their places of work.

Mustapha, who doubles as the chairman of the presidential steering committee (PSC) on COVID-19, also said from December 1, workers who do not show proof of vaccination and or a negative COVID-19 result will be barred from government offices.