BREAKING: President Buhari Extends COVID-19 Lockdown By Four Weeks

President Muhammadu Buhari

As part of frantic efforts to combat Coronavirus spread in the country, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari has approved another four weeks lockdown in what would be the second phase of the eased lockdown.

Breaking the news was the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who made the announcement during the Task Force briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

The decision to extend the lockdown comes after President Buhari's meeting with the task force to assess the progress made so far in mitigating further spread of Coronavirus in the Nation. 

Boss Mustapha told newsmen today that the PTF had among other things, recommended the extension of the current ease of lockdown which has just been approved. Also on the recommendation list to the President, was ensuring that the current phase of the response was retained but with minor changes to address health, economic and socio-political concerns.

In the address, the SGF noted that, some of the major changes being proposed are geared towards granting of permissions to exit classes to resume ahead of examinations, re-opening of rail transportation within established parameters and achieving the gradual re-opening of international air flights within established parameters.

This extension is the third for the second phase of lockdown currently observed across the country.

Culled from: Channels TV

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BREAKING: Buhari Imposes Curfew on Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State

President Muhammadu Buhari has imposed curfew on Lagos, Abuja and Ogun State as part of efforts by the Federal government to mitigate further spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.

President Buhari made the decision known while addressing the nation on live television. Buhari noted that the 3 states have the most prevalent cases of coronavirus

Checkout excerpts from his speech below;

“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period. 

“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Minister of the FCT, have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

“This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.

“Furthermore, commercial establishments such as; food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities, power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are also exempted.

“Although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored. 

“Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted.”

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