The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari announces a phased and a gradual eased lockdown in Lagos and Abuja, in bid to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Covid-19 confirmed cases has been on the raise since the announcement of the lockdown in April to 1273 cases and 40 deaths, most infections coming from Lagos and Abuja.
President Buhari revealed that the lockdown has comes at a “heavy cost” as millions lost their livelihoods. He declared a nationwide night curfew from 8pm to 6am, a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in Lagos, Ogun states and FCT. This comes after consultation and recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus and various Federal government committees.
Buhari emphases on importance and immediate need to allow some sectors of the economy to remain functional while implementing aggressive measures and efforts in testing and contact tracing.
These are new national wide measures
Except essential services, everyone will observe an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means that movement is prohibited at night unless incase of reasonable emergency.
Non-essential interstate travel is banned until further notice, and controlled movement of products and services all be implemented.
Mandatory use of facemasks in public, social distancing and personal hygiene will be implemented and enforced.
Restrictions on social gatherings and religious gatherings will remain in place. Philanthropists, private organizations and state governments were encouraged to support the production of face masks for citizens.
President Buhari, however, announced a new two-week lockdown in the northern state of Kano, effective immediately. Cases there have risen to 77, putting it behind only Lagos and Abuja, and public health authorities are investigating a reported spike in suspicious deaths in the economically powerful capital city of the same name.