FG Reintroduces COVID-19 Restrictions As Another Lockdown Looms

FG has reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions with another lockdown Looming.

Newsone reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Muhamadu Buhari, has reintroduced the restriction on mass gatherings after a spike in COVID-19 cases recorded in some countries.

This online news platform understands that the presidential steering committee on COVID-19 at its briefing on Monday, also announced an immediate nationwide curfew from midnight till 4 am.

Newsone reports that the committee’s national incident manager, Mukhtar Mohammed, said event centres and non-essential public places such as night clubs would remain closed till further notice.

According to the new COVID-19 restrictions, religious gatherings are to be limited to less than 50 percent capacity to ensure physical distancing while social events such as weddings and parties are to be attended by not more than 50 persons.

The committee,  Newsone understands, directed security personnel to enforce the measures while state governments to set up a mobile tribunal for the prosecution of violators.

FG on possible Lockdown

Mohammed said: “The National Response continues to focus on achieving a balance between preserving lives while working on a long term epidemic control. Effective from 00:01 hours on Tuesday 11th of May 2022, this phase four of restriction of movement shall come into effect.

“We shall maintain restrictions on mass gatherings of sidewalk settings, with a maximum of about 50 people in an enclosed space. Approved gatherings must be held to the physical distancing measures, and other non-pharmaceutical interventions in place.

“We will continue to maintain restriction on reduction of work of government staff workers from GL-12 and below. We’ll also limited government meetings to virtual platforms as much as possible. While we maintaining restrictions on physical meetings, including official trips, oversight visits and board meetings.

“All recreational venues, gyms and indoor sports facilities are to close until 11 of June when the situation will be reviewed. Mass political gatherings, gatherings in the open, a large number of people are strictly to o adhere this COVID-19 protocol as issued by INEC.

“Event centres, night clubs shall remain closed until further notice. Restaurants are to provide eat-in at 50% capacity and provide takeaways where available.”

Newsone reports that the incident manager also said there will no be restriction of movement within the country, adding: “Only essential travellers are encouraged, and both international and domestic travellers must abide by all existing protocols.”