TELL Magazine

The Federal Government has further relaxed restrictions as Nigeria enters phase two in the easing of lockdown. Boss Mustapha, chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, and secretary to the government of the federation, SGF,  announced the new adjustments on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja.

From Tuesday, June 2, the 8pm to 6am nationwide curfew has been relaxed to 10pm to 4.00am. Banks are now to operate fully, while domestic flight operations will resume from June 21. Schools will remain closed for now but the PTF has requested the federal ministry of education to prepare a template for a phased reopening of schools to be considered in about three weeks.

Ban on interstate travels still remain in place, safe for the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods, and essential services; while worship places can reopen based on approved guidelines. Likewise, ban on the gathering of more than 20 persons outside workplace still remains in force.

According to Mustapha, “After considering all factors mentioned above, the PTF submitted its recommendations and the President has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review-:

i. Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19;

ii. Application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

iii. Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities;

iv. Sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include:

-Ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

–Relaxation of restriction on places of worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments

-Managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission;

– Ban on inter-state travels except for movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services;

– Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places;

– Mandatory provision of hand-washing facilities/sanitisers in all public places;

– Extensive temperature checks in public places;

– Maintaining two metres between people in public places;

– Strengthening infection prevention and control at healthcare facilities;

– Isolation of vulnerable populations (elderly and those with underlying health conditions)

– Massive information and education campaigns.

v. Deepening of collaborative efforts with the community leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, etc;

vi. Continuous mobilisation of state governments to take up greater role in the implementation of the guidelines and advisories provided by the PTF;

vii. Continued provision of support by the NCDC to States through guidelines to shape decision-making in responding to high burden LGAs and Wards; and

viii. Easing the total lockdown of Kano State and introduction of Phase One of the Eased Lockdown.

Nigeria recorded 416 new cases on Monday, June 1, bringing the total to date to 10, 578 with 299 deaths.

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