Federal Government on Tuesday clarified that contrary to rumors, it has not declared a fresh lockdown of the country amid confirmation of second wave of COVID-19.
Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information and Culture, made this known when he made an appearance on a Radio Nigeria programme, “Politics Nationwide’’.
It would be recalled that on Monday FG imposed new restrictions amid the rising cases of coronavirus in various parts of the country.
The directives were advisories issued to state authorities for implementation in the next five weeks.
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The minister has now said said the directives did not translate to partial or total lockdown, as reported by some sections of the media.
He allayed fears of Nigerians and some listeners that called-in during the programme that a lockdown might have negative effects on the already poor economy.
Mohammed explained that what the Federal Government did was to reduce the chances of mass gathering by directing its workers from Level 12 below to work from home.
He said the government also reiterated already existing ban on night clubs and other COVID-19 protocols.
Mohammed explained;
What we have done is that we have simply reiterated the old protocols and asked federal workers on Level 12 and below to stay at home and they will still receive their salaries.
Lagos state has equally asked their level 14 workers and below to work from home and Kaduna state has done the same.
Therefore, there is no fresh lockdown and the issue of hardship and economy meltdown does not arise.
The minister added that the government also reminded Nigerians that the ban on social gathering is still on and churches and mosques should obey the social gathering rules.
He said the directive is to curtail people from gathering because they found out that COVID-19 had reached the level of community transmission.
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Mohammed said the protocols on foreign travels subsist to the effect that those travelling to Nigeria would not be able to come on board unless they have the certificate that they tested negative for the virus.
He said when they arrive into the country, they must self-isolate for seven days after which they would go back for a confirmation test.
Via NAN.
