The outbreak of of COVID-19 cases in the last few days has forced the Federal Government to issue a new order to all civil servants from Grade Level, GL 12 and below under its employment to stay at home immediately.
It also announced that all schools would remain closed till January 18 while also announcing that restrictions are placed on social and religious gatherings for five weeks.
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) which announced these measures in Abuja on Monday being 21st December 2020, also said all bars, nightclubs and recreation centres nationwide are to be closed till further notice.
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday issued these fresh directives on how to curtail the spread of the virus, imposing five weeks restriction on large gatherings.
Boss Mustapha, the PTF Chairman, and also Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this known at the national media briefing in Abuja.
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari has authorised the PTF to engage with the states and FCT to deploy legal structures and resources, including enforcement, to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.
The fresh directives followed the official declaration of the second wave of COVID-19 in the country.
Boss Mustapha said: “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.
“Close all bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues.
“Close all restaurants, except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed.
“Restrict all informal and formal festivity including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars and sporting activities.
“End of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 people.”
Limit all gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50 per cent capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing, mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced.
“Where more than 50 persons are attending, any such event, the gathering should be held outdoors only.”
Last week, the country’s COVID-19 infections witnessed yet another significant increase.
Nigeria recorded 3,817 new COVID-19 infections which is the highest the country has recorded in over four months.
