The Federal Government on Monday imposed new restrictions amid the rising cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in various parts of the country.
The Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce (PTF) on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, who announced this at the briefing in Abuja said all schools should remain closed till January 18th,2021.
He said the new restrictions also include the closure of all bars, nightclubs, pubs and event centres, as well as recreational venues in all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He also directed the closure of all restaurants except those providing services to hotel residents, takeaways, home deliveries, and drive-ins.
Similarly, all informal and formal festivity events, including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events, have been restricted to not more than 50 people.
The government also limited all gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50 per cent of the capacity of the facility of use which physical distancing and use of face masks should be strictly enforced.
To reduce overcrowding in public spaces, markets, shopping centres, offices and schools, states are advised to implement the following:
” Encourage virtual meetings in government offices. The leadership of such offices are to ensure that all offices are well-ventilated offices, and encourage staff to work from home where possible,
” All government staff on GL.12 and below are to stay at home for the next 5 weeks; Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives are to be held accountable for enforcing NPI rules in their domains with frequent spot check.
“All persons above the age of 60yrs and/or with comorbidities are to be encouraged to stay at home and avoid crowds.
” All non-essential travels – both domestic and international during the holiday season are seriously discouraged.
On the discovery of new strain of COVID19 and the calls for the restriction on international travels ,the PTF Chairman said lot of discussions is still going on it.
He said the PTF, Aviation and health authorities including the WHO, are assessing the situation closely and would take a position as soon as a cogent scientific basis are established.
” The protection of Nigerians remains our primary concern and we reassure Nigerians of our resolve not to relent.”he said
