…Lifts ban on religious gathering
…Says schools, bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks remain closed
President Muhammadu Buhari Monday announced the second phase of the ease of lockdown with new measures and retention of old protocols and guidelines to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Control of COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, said the nationwide curfew would remain in place from 10:00pm to 4:00am.
He said the president approved the full reopening of the financial sector to make commercial banks operate normal working hours.
The SGF said the president also approved the reopening of places of worship for regular mosque and church services based on protocols and guidelines approved by state governments.
He said the president approved that all schools, bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks would remain closed until further evaluation.
He said hotels would now be allowed to operate, stressing that restaurants outside hotels must remain closed for eat-in, but they can operate takeaway services.
He said the president also approved the restriction of gathering of 20 persons outside of workplaces and religious services.
The SGF said interstate travel remains prohibited except for agriculture products, essential goods and movement of those on essential service.
He said the aviation industry requested to start developing protocols for possible resumption of domestic flights to June 21, 2020.
The SGF said federal government’s response nationally had continued to rely on science, data, experiences drawn from other nations and consideration of the nation’s peculiar environment to address the pandemic while observing the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).
He said: He said: “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.
“Based on the overall assessment, including available data on the public health considerations and resultant economic impacts, the PTF is of the opinion that Nigeria is ready to allow SCIENCE and DATA determine her cautious advancement into the second phase of the eased lockdown for a period of four (4) weeks.
“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: a) Ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace; b) Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and Protocols agreed by State Governments c) Managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission; d) Ban on inter-state travels except for movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services; e) Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places; f) Mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers in all public places; g) Extensive temperature checks in public places; h) Maintaining 2 metres between people in public places; i) Strengthening infection prevention and control at healthcare facilities; j) Isolation of vulnerable populations (elderly and those with underlying health conditions; k) 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.
