See Highlights of Buhari’s New Nation-wide Measures on COVID-19 Pandemic

By Our Reporter

Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday night addressed the nation on COID-19 Pandemic.

The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows;

a.       Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm;

b.       There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except essential services;

c.       There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice;

d.       There will be partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and

e.       We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions of social and religious gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on  Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9am.

The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details and timing guidelines to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.

The above are guidelines. State Governors may choose to amend, adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above on public health and hygiene.

These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State. The total lockdown recently announced by the State Government shall remain enforced for the full duration. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic.

 I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risks everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, be rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to our Government.

  I will also recognize  the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support has significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.

 I will also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.

 I wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN family, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.

 And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of our citizens and residents.