FG imposes new COVID-19 restrictions, shuts down nightclubs, recreational Centres, restricts guests at weddings, others to 50

Chidi Samuel| The Federal Government on Monday in a bid to curb the growing number of fresh coronavirus cases has imposed new restrictions in various parts of the country.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, who made the disclosure on Monday at the briefing of the task force in Abuja, said the directives were advisories issued to state authorities for implementation in the next five weeks.

He said, “The PTF has surveyed developments and actions taken by governments around the world, assessed our domestic environment and has accordingly submitted its recommendations to Mr President on immediate measures to be taken.

“Accordingly, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorised the PTF to engage with the states and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.

“In line with the authorisation, the PTF wishes to issue the following advisories to sub-national entities for implementation over the next five weeks because these activities are considered super spreader events.

Part of the new guideline include the closure of all bars, nightclubs, pubs, and event centres, as well as recreational venues in all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

All restaurants were also directed to close, except those providing services to hotel residents, takeaways, home deliveries, and drive-ins.

Similarly, all informal and formal festivity events, including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events, have been restricted to not more than 50 people.

The government also limited all gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50 per cent of the capacity of the facility of use which physical distancing and use of face masks should be strictly enforced.

According to Mustapha, events, where more than 50 people are attending, should be held outdoors only.

He added that public transportation systems should carry passengers not more than 50 per cent of their capacity, in compliance with social distancing rules.