THE GUARDIAN

President Muhammad Buhari yesterday approved a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states from Saturday 2nd May, 2020 at 9:00 a.m.

In a nationwide broadcast yesterday, Buhari explained that the decision followed the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.

Buhari, however, said this would be followed strictly with an aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors. Announcing the highlights of the new nationwide measures, Buhari said: “Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except essential services. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice.”

Furthermore, Buhari said there would be partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services from producers to consumers“and we will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.”

“The restrictions on social and religious gathering shall remain in place. State governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun states shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9am.

The president commended those he described as the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure that the nation win the fight against the deadly virus.

“For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to our government.