Schools Remain Shut As FG Relaxes Restriction On Churches, Mosques

• Nationwide curfew now 10 pm—4 am

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

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

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

He said, “There is a ban on gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace.”

The Federal Government also announced that the nationwide curfew remains in place but with a new timing of 10 pm—4 am. This will take effect from Tuesday.

It has also approved the full opening of financial sector – normal working hours for banks.

It has approved restricted opening of places of worship, (regular church and mosque services only), to be based on State Governments protocols.

It also said hotels are now free to operate but within the protocol guidelines released.

Mustapha added: “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.”