FG Extends Lockdown By Four Weeks, Approves Limited Reopening Of Schools, Lifts Ban On Domestic Flight And Interstate Travel

Federal Government has approved the extension of lockdown by four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30 to Monday, 27 July, 2020.

It also approved ‘safe reopening’ of schools nationwide as part of the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown ordered to curtail further spread of COVID-19.

The Federal Government as well lifted the ban placed on interstate travels with effect from July 1, provided such journeys are made outside curfew hours.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed these at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) added that the government has approved the safe resumption of domestic flights in the country.

He said the reopening of schools is meant to allow students in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3) and Senior Secondary school 3 (SSS 3) resume preparation for examinations.

The chairman stated that all daycares and primary schools to remain closed till further evaluation.

Mustapha disclosed that the latest developments are contained in the task force’s fifth interim report which was submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari in a briefing earlier in the day.

He said;

I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.

The Chairman of PTF stressed that

The following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:

Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;

Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;

Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;

Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations;

Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable;

Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities;

Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response.