Anap Think Tank: Sad to see social distancing ignored at Abba Kyari’s burial

The Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank has lamented the lack of adherence to social distancing at the burial of Abba Kyari, the late chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group, which was established to respond to the coronavirus pandemic, said such a lapse could jeopardise the efforts to curb the spread of the disease in the country.

Kyari, who died from COVID-19 complications, was buried in Abuja on Saturday.

At the Gudu cemetery where he was laid to rest, those in attendance could be seen too close to one another with no social distancing evident.

In a statement on Saturday, Atedo Peterside and Abubakar Mohammed, chairman and vice-chairman of Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, expressed sadness at Kyari’s death.

They, however, added that it is important for the authorities to “lead by example” during the coronavirus pandemic.

 ”We noted with sadness and concern the fact that the strict rules of Social Distancing were flouted at his burial today,” the group said.

“This has serious implications for the good work that is being done by various agencies to keep our people safe.

“We call on the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to note this and apply the laws across the board through leadership by example.

“Going forward, we appeal to the authorities to lead by example and help ensure that all and sundry obey the well thought out rules for burials and all other gatherings at this time.”