Although the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday, June 1, announced the second phase of the gradual ease of lockdown imposed to stem the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, some Nigerians expressed misgivings over certain prohibitions that would have been lifted by the government.
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Legit.ng News on your Facebook News Feed
During Legit.ng's interaction with some residents of Lagos, it was discovered that they preferred the schools across the country to resume their academic activities to the lifting of a ban on religious activities.
Speaking on Monday, June 1, during daily updates on COVID-19, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, who doubles as the chairman of the PTF, announced the government's decision to lift the ban on religious gatherings in the country.
But despite the relaxation of the lockdown, the PTF announced that some measures would continue to remain enforced for the next four weeks as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari upon recommendation by the PTF.
The following are five key measures that would remain enforced despite the ease of the lockdown:
Ban on inter-state travels
The chairman of the PTF announced that the ban on interstate travel would remain enforced.
Some school children during an excursion.
Source: UGC
“Ban on inter-state travels except for the movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods, and essential services,” he said.
Ban on gatherings
Mustapha also announced that despite relaxing the ban on worship centres, the “ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace” would remain suspended.
Use of face mask and temperature check
The protective measure of using the face mask and temperature check was included among the measure to remain enforced.
According to him, there would be “mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places” for the next four weeks.
The PTF chairman also ordered, “Extensive temperature checks in public places.”
Domestic flight
The ban on all domestic flights to remain enforced.
In this respect, Mustapha announced that the aviation industry has been requested to develop protocols for resumed operation from June 21. He said this is as a result of recommendation by the experts.
Schools
The federal government also maintained that schools would remain closed for now as the country’s total coronavirus infections top 10,000 to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news app
The PTF said it is working to ensure that the federal ministry of education develops guidelines and protocols for the safe reopening of schools.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng had previously reported that following the plea by some religious leaders in Nigeria, the federal government announced the relaxation on the ban on religious gatherings in the country from Monday, June 1.
COVID-19: Parents speak on allowing their children return to school | - on Legit TV