After accessing the extent of COVID-19 spread in Nigeria, the Federal Government has lifted the ban on interstate movement earlier imposed to flatten the coronavirus curve in the country.
Also, the government has approved the partial reopening of schools to allow students in graduating classes to resume in-person and continue preparation for their terminal examinations and that domestic aviation services would resume in a few weeks.
The Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, who made the announcement on Monday while briefing newsmen on the achievements recorded in the fights against coronavirus, stated that these developments would be implemented during phase two of the eased of lockdown which has been extended by another four weeks beginning from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 to Monday, 27 July, 2020.
Mustapha, who is the chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, stated that the extension was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari after considering 5th Interim Report of the PTF.
The chairman stated that after the president reviewed the report and approved that the ban on interstate movement should only be effective during the curfew hours beginning from 1st July 2020.
Curfew period earlier approved by the government was 10 pm to 4 am daily and this was imposed to prevent further spread of the virus in the country.
“During this period, the permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July 2020 and enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places will be done.
“Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations and safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable.
“Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour and community activities and provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response.
“Strengthening partnerships with States, Local Governments, traditional rulers, community/religious leaders and civil society to ensure increased public awareness and compliance with preventive guidelines”, he added.
