The Federal Government has extended the
current eased lockdown measures put in place to curtail the spread of the
deadly Corona Virus by another two weeks.
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| SGF, BOSS MUSTAPHA |
Secretary to the Government of the Federation
and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha announced
this on Monday in Abuja at the daily briefing of the task force. Mustapha said the decision was taken after
due consultations between all the tiers of government. He added that the extension will enable
other segments of the economy prepare adequately for compliance with the
guidelines, preparatory to reopening in the coming weeks.
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| Add caption |
''Based on the recommendations of the PTF, Mr. President has approved the following: The measures, exemptions, advisories and scope of entities allowed to reopen under phase one of the eased locked down, shall be maintained across the federation for another two weeks effective from 12 00 midnight today (18th May, 2020 to 1st June, 2020); intensifying efforts to “tell (communicate), trace (identify) and treat (manage)’ cases;elevating the level of community ownership of non-pharmaceutical interventions; Maintain the existing lockdown order in Kano for an additional two weeks Imposition of precision lockdown in states, or in metropolitan/high-burden LGAs, that are reporting a rapidly increasing number of cases, when the need arises. This would be complemented with the provision of palliatives and continued re-evaluation of the impact of the interventions; and Aggressive scale up of efforts to ensure that communities are informed, engaged and participating in the response with enhanced public awareness in high risk states. Specific implementation guidelines would be communicated by the National Coordinator during this press briefing and would be circulated through the conventional and social media. For sustainability of the gains recorded, the PTF shall continue to support states by developing guidelines to shape decision-making for future steps in the response and aggressively scale up efforts to ensure effective community information. It is believed that these steps will help consolidate the gains made so far, and position the country to effectively overcome the pandemic. In the interest of our nation, the role of the States and Local Governments remain critical to success. The PTF shall engage with the States on the effective implementation of these guidelines. This morning, I participated in a virtual conference between the President and the Nigeria Governors Forum and the subject of collaboration was robustly discussed. .As contained in the address of Mr. President on 27th April, 202, State Governors are reminded to align their state specific measures with the guidelines issued by the Presidential Task Force''.
Boss Mustapha however added that stricter
compliance of the lockdown will be enforced.
''The level of compliance has been reviewed and a specific directive has been issued to the security agencies to carry out strict enforcement of all measures. These include the nationwide curfew from 8.00pm to 6.00pm; the ban on interstate travels and the wearing of facemasks/coverings in public.
The security agents are however urged to be mindful of the human rights of citizens, while citizens are equally urged to recognize the dangers posed to self, their loved ones and the entire community if they fail to take responsibility. Let me state categorically, that the exemptions allowed under the phase one are still in place. Particularly, Government remains conscious of the fact that we are in the rainy season and farming activities is critical to food and national security. It should therefore, not be hindered. I therefore urge States and Security agencies to support, encourage and allow our farmers to carry out their activities. We wish to appeal to all Nigerians to show understanding, demonstrate patriotism and take responsibility. Humanity is in great peril and we are all in danger. Most importantly, we repeat our call on all Nigerians to please STAY HOME and STAY SAFE.'' he said.
Also briefing, the Director General Nigeria
Center for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Iheakwazu said it is working to ensure that
small and medium scale enterprises are able to resume their operations in total
compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.
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| DG NCDC, DR CHIKWE IHEKWEAZU |
Dr Ihekweazu said there was need to work on
modalities that will be given to the traders and artisans as the country
gradually joins the rest of the world in returning to partial normalcy.
For his part, the National Coordinator of the
Task Force, Dr Sani Aliyu appealed to
Nigerians to disregard various forms of fake news which he stressed has adverse
effect on the fight against the virus. He
therefore advised Nigerians to only act on information received from verified
sources.
Nigeria currently has 5,959 cases of COVID-19.
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