The Federal Government has approved nationwide “safe reopening” of schools in the next phase of the gradual relaxation of lockdown imposed to halt further spread of COVID-19.
The Federal Government in its approval allowed only graduating pupils in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 to resume.
Day care centres, higher institution of learning and other classes in primary and secondary schools still remain closed.
Also, the government has lifted the ban imposed on interstate travels with effect from July 1 under the condition that such travels are made outside curfew hours.
The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, made these disclosures at the daily briefing of the task force on Monday in Abuja.
Mustapha said at the daily briefing that the government had approved the safe resumption of domestic flights in Nigeria.
He said schools reopening was meant to allow pupils in graduating classes commence preparation for examinations.
He said President Muhammadu Buhari had given an approval for the extension of the Phase II of the lockdown by another four weeks.
Mustapha said: “I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.
“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:
“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the national coordinator;
“Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;
“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by states, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;
“Safe re-opening of schools to allow pupils in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations. Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable.”
