The Nigerian government has announced the immediate lifting of restrictions on religious gatherings which were imposed to check the spread of the dreaded coronavirus. The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, announced this at the daily Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing on Monday.
The relaxation which will be for a period of four weeks will be effective from June 2 to June 29. Mustapha explained that this decision will be reviewed after four weeks .
It was also announced at the media briefing that the country is shrinking the curfew imposed to control the spread of coronavirus by at least four hours. This, according to Mustoapha is based on guidelines and protocols agreed by the states. Mustapha, who is also the Chairman of the Residential Task force on COVID-19, announced that said restrictions placed on interstate travels were still in force.
In Mustapha’s words “Ban on inter-state travels remains except for movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services”.
Mustapha also said the focus is to manage access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission, as well as ensure mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places.
His words, “Mandatory provision of handwashing 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) will be effectively pursued.
