By Emmanuel Adigwe
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the gradual easing of the COVID-19 lockdown across the country.
The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated this while addressing newsmen and he disclosed that places of worship can now gather but this is subject to guidelines by the task force and also the guidelines of the state.
He said: “There is a ban on gatherings of more than 20 people outside of the workplace.
“There is now a relaxation of the restriction on places of worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments.
“We should also manage access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission.
“Ban on inter-state travels except for the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods, and essential services;
“Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places.”
Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to Government of the Federation, disclosed that the pandemic is gradually shifting to South and Central America.
He said: “This shift to South America with virtually similar climatic and demographic similarities with Africa, is a cause for concern when we consider the fact that earlier projections pointed to Africa as likely to be the worst hit continent, by the pandemic.
“As at midnight on Sunday, May 31, 2020, Nigeria recorded 10,162 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 3,007 discharges and 287 deaths. Significantly, Nigeria recorded 553 new cases on Saturday, May 30, 2020 representing the highest single-day figure.
“After considering all factors mentioned above, the PTF submitted its recommendations and President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning June 2 to June 29, 2020, subject to review.”
He further stated that science and data are the tools Nigeria will use to move to the next stage of the eased lockdown.