Coronavirus: Nigerian government lifts ban on worship centres with conditions on operations, as schools remain closed

The Nigerian Government on Monday announced immediate relaxation of the restriction placed on worship centres as part of measures to limit the spread of coronavirus with condition that the opening will be based on state government’s protocols.

Penpushing reports that, President Muhammed Buhari gave the order and made known by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, at the daily Presidential Task Force on coronavirus briefing in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)

The President said based on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus the relaxation will be effective from June 2 to June 29, which will span for a period of four weeks , adding that this decision will be reviewed on the four weeks completion.

“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. Relaxation of restriction on places of worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by State Governments,” Mustapha said.

Penpushing further reports that, in similar development, the national coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus, Sani Aliyu added that the existing nationwide curfew of 8 p.m to 6 a.m imposed by President Buhari to limit the spread of the virus has been reviewed.

The coordinator explained that, the curfew would henceforth be from 10 p.m .to 4 a.m. daily, stressing that, “just to clarify, the purpose of the curfew is to limit social interactions and, therefore, reduce the risk of transmission of the virus,” .

Penpushing also reports that, Aliyu spoke about banking operations, adding that all banks in the country are allowed to resume fully from Tuesday on normal working hours of five days a week, adding, “full opening of financial sector – banks are now allowed to operate normal working hours, five days a week,” he said.

The coordinator added that the gathering of more than 20 people is still highly prohibited, as well as existing interstate ban remains in place, while movement across state borders remains restricted other than the free movement of goods and essential services. .

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“The mass gathering of more 20 persons outside of workplaces or place of worship remains prohibited. Interstate travel by individuals remains prohibited except for goods and essential travel. Just to make it clear all restrictions on the free movement of goods and services are now removed in this phase,” he said.

Penpushing reports that, Aliyu urged the security services to cooperate with the public to ensure goods are allowed free passage, explaining that this particular phase is directed at ensuring the economy starts moving again.

The coordinator said government offices are allowed to open from Mondays to Fridays, stating that, normal working would apply to offices other than government offices provided this is kept within the curfew hours.

“Normal working would apply to offices other than government offices provided this is kept within the curfew hours. Offices are to maintain the two metres physical distances. For government offices; they can open between 9am and 2pm and can work from Monday to Fridays. However only persons that are within the grade 14 and above will be allowed to come to work, he said”.

Penpushing reports that, Aliyu on the local flights said the aviation sector will begin to develop protocols that will lead to the resumption of domestic flights any time from June 21 ,adding, “aviation Industry requested to start developing protocols for domestic flights to possibly resume from June 21 onwards,”.

“Airlines must ensure physical distancing by reducing passenger capacity, ensure the provision of sanitizers, and appropriate PPEs as well as carrying out temperature checks at the point of entry and departure and ensuring that airports are not congested by either travelers or airport staff.”

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on hotels, restaurants and schools said hotels may open but must observe all non-pharmaceutical interventions, while restaurants outside of hotels must remain closed for eat-in, adding, “bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks closed until further evaluation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Task Force on the schools declared that all schools to remaine closed until further evaluation.