The Chairman, President Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha on Monday (June 1, 2020) in Abuja announced that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved for implementation the lifting of ban on Churches and Mosques nationwide over the next four weeks. The religious houses were closed in March to curb the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Mustapha disclosed this at a press briefing of the PTF in Abuja on Monday when the Task Force rolled out new protocols and guidelines for the second phase of the ease of restrictions having obtained the approval of President Buhari who was briefed on Sunday at the State House, Abuja.
The PTF chairman who is also serves as Secretary to the Government of the Federation disclosed that the relaxation of restriction on places of worship will be based on the guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments where the federal government has asked to take over the fight against COVID-19. The newly approved implementation of the ease of restriction according to him begins tomorrow June 2.
He said the federal government also imposed a ban on the gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace just as the ban on interstate travels apart from movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services remain banned till further review. He said it is also mandatory to use non-medical face masks in public places in addition to mandatory provision of handwashing facilities.
The other measures as approved by the federal government under the second phase of the easing of the lockdown according to Mustapha include approval of a new nationwide curfew from 10:00p.m to 4:00a.m., which has immediately replaced the previous curfew that was in place from 8:00p.m. to 6:00a.m.
In his own contribution, Dr. Sani Aliyu, the National Coordinator of the PTF on COVID-19, who provided further explanations regarding the latest guidelines said that the purpose of the new curfew is to reduce public interaction and limit the spread of the virus. Following the new phase in the eased restrictions, he said banks nationwide can now operate fully five days a week. But all schools are to remain closed until further review and approval by Mr. President.
To further stimulate the economy, Dr. Aliyu also announced that the Aviation industry had been asked to develop a protocol for the resumption of domestic flight operation from June 21, 2020 while international flights will remain suspended till further notice. He said the aviation authority had been asked to develop safety protocols for the resumption of airline regular services including ensuring use of masks, putting in place infrared temperature for passengers and use of sanitisers. According to him, airlines just like the state governors must also take responsibility by checking their passengers before entering the airports and before boarding, among other precautions to reduce the risk of the spread of the dreaded virus.
