New COVID-19 Lockdown ease rules - FG

The Federal Government has announced the relaxation of the restriction placed on places of worship as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced this during the daily briefing of the panel on Monday.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to Government of the Federation, said the ban on inter-state travel is still in place.

All banks and other financial sector to open and work normal hours and also private offices can go back to normal working hours as long as the workers all reach their house before curfew.

In line with the promise to review earlier restrictions after two weeks, the PTF announced that the interstate travel ban will remain effective, with exemptions for goods and essential travels only.

Schools are to remain closed, as protocols have not yet been concluded for them to resume.

Among the reviews announced, the Aviation industry has been directed to start developing protocols for domestic flights to resume from June 21.

“The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has requested the Aviation Industry to start developing protocols for domestic flights to possibly resume from June 21” the tweet read.

He said; 

The global epicenter of the pandemic has shifted from China to Europe to USA, and is now showing a shift to South and Central America. 

"This shift to South America with virtually similar climatic and demographic similarities with Africa, is a cause for concern when we consider the fact that earlier projections pointed to Africa as likely to be the worst hit continent, by the pandemic."

"As at midnight on Sunday, 31st May, 2020, Nigeria had recorded 10,162 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 3,007 discharges and 287 deaths. Significantly, Nigeria recorded 553 new cases on Saturday, 30th May, 2020 representing the highest single-day numbers, ever."

"​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 President Buhari 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 & 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.

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

-Continuous mobilisation of State Govts 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

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