COVID-19 lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun to end May 4, Buhari declares

President Muhammadu Buhari Monday approved the gradual relaxation of the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states with effect from May 4.

The president, in a nationwide broadcast on the coronavirus situation in the country, also ordered a two-week total lockdown of Kano State effective from Monday.

Kano State has been rocked by reportedly mysterious mass deaths in the last few weeks.

On Lagos and the FCT, the President said the easing of the lockdown would be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

He said the Federal Government has put in place several measures nationwide in the bid to check further spread of the virus in Nigeria.

These measures, according to him, include overnight curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m throughout the country., ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice, partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services and mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public.

He added that the restrictions on social and religious gatherings would remain in place throughout the country.

The President said: Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

“Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.

“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 on social and religious gatherings 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 and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.

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

“ In respect to the above guidelines, state governors may choose to adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above.

43. To support our businesses and traders, the monetary and fiscal authorities shall deploy all the necessary provisions needed for production to continue and thus, jobs restored.

READ ALSO: Buhari imposes 2-week COVID-19 lockdown on Kano

“These revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State. With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States.

“I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, rest assured that government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period.”

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