PMB Approves Phased Easing Of Lockdown in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States Effective May 4, 2020
BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday announced a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
The President, who announced this in an on the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States, however said that easing of the lockdown will 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.
As part of the new measures, President Buhari said that there will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am, stressing that this means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services;
He also said that there will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice while partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; The President further said the government would strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.
In his words; “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.”
President Buhari specifically said that for the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until the new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020.
He said that the Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.
According to him; “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.
“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.”
President Buhari pointedly said that the revised guidelines will not apply to Kano State, stressing that with regards to Kano, he has directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately.
He further said; “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 neighbouring States.”
He commended the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure the country win the fight, adding that for those who got infected in the line of duty, they should be rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support them and their families during this exceedingly difficult period.
The President assured the frontline workers that their safety, wellbeing and welfare remain paramount to his Government.
