The Federal Government has set new guidelines for the new phase the lockdown which will be effected between May 4 to May 17, 2020.
The guidelines were signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and part of the guidelines state that people without a face mask in public shall be prosecuted.
Also, the guidelines were particular about informing the general public, how states and security agencies will be guided and description of various activities that are permitted under the new lockdown phase.
While announcing the guidelines, the SGF said: “Anyone who presents a temperature of above 38ºC will be mandated to return home and call NCDC for evaluation.
“Anyone without a face mask/covering will be asked to return home and will be prosecuted.
“Anyone violating the curfew in a non-emergency situation will be prosecuted. Anyone attending a gathering of more than 20 people will be prosecuted.
“Any member of the public who violates the ban on Inter-State movement as outlined in this guideline will be prosecuted.”
Furthermore, the statement stated guidelines for the ease of lockdown in FCT, Lagos and Ogun.
In relation to FCT, Lagos and Ogun, the statement reads: “Following improvements in the multisectoral response to COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided that there will be a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Federal Capital Territory effective from Monday, 4th May 2020.
“The easing of the lockdown will be characterised by the mandatory use of non-medical face mask/covering for all persons while in public spaces. Latex hand gloves should not be worn except for specific medical purposes.
“The mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitizers in all public places. All interstate travel is prohibited except for essential travels and services such as transportation of agricultural products, petroleum products, relief items, goods, commodities related to the COVID-19 response, and persons on essential duty.”
The new advisory also placed a ban on gathering of over 20 people outside a place of work while controlled access to markets and areas of economic activities will be put in place. Ban on every passenger flight and religious gatherings still persist.
The guidelines recommended a maximum of 50 per cent of usual occupancy for intra-state travel through public transport while taxis were directed to convey only four persons with the driver inclusive.
The statement added: “All schools to remain closed until further evaluation. Schools are encouraged to continue with e-learning and visual teaching. State governments and security agencies are enjoined to ensure effective and strict enforcement of these guidelines.
“The level of compliance with these guidelines will be reviewed in two weeks before additional guidelines for phase two is issued.”
