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Despite the surge in the number of coronavirus cases in Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced the relaxation of ban on worship centres in the country.
Boss Mustapha, the chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 made the announcement during a media briefing on Monday.
Mustapha, who also doubles as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the relaxation of the ban for four weeks, but inter-state movement restrictions would remain in place.
He stated: “The PTF submitted its recommendations and the PRESIDENT has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review-:
“Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19; application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;
“Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities; sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include: ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;
“Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments.
“Managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission.
“Ban on inter-state travels except for the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods, and essential services.
“Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places.
“Mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers in all public places.”
The SGF also announced that from June 2, banks would operate within the normal working hours, while appealing to Nigerians to abide by the safety protocols of health authorities, adding that Nigeria is still far from the end of the pandemic.