COVD-19: FG Gives Only Condition To Reopen Schools, Churches, Mosques

The Federal Government has given the only condition to reopen schools, churches and mosques amid Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria.

NewsOne Nigeria reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has explained that the President Muhammadu Buhari’s “Next Level” administration’s decision to extend the eased lockdown for another two weeks is to try and contain the spread of COVID-19 before the economy is fully reopened

The SGF, who doubles as the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, made this known during the daily media briefing yesterday.

NewsOne Nigeriaunderstands that the first part of the eased lockdown had expired on Monday, May 18 after which President Buhari extended it by another two weeks until June 1.

The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 asked schools, religious centres, offices and business to use the opportunity to plan how to operate in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) era in the country.

According to the SGF, the decision to reopen the economy slowly is based on “current experiences from different countries and expert advice”.

His words: “Again, I wish to repeat that the decision is not punitive, we share your pains and also share your concerns. However, our future remains in our hands and compliance is one of the keys to opening that future.

“I must also emphasise that the two additional weeks should be utilized by businesses, offices, professional bodies, places of worship, educational institutions, etc awaiting reopening to plan and adopt new strategies under a COVID-19 era in line with the guidelines.

“Above all, behavioural change is a must for every citizen because COVID 19 has changed the world completely,” he added.