COVID:Gradual Easing Of Lockdown Extended By Two Weeks

The Presidential Task Force(PTF) on COVID-19 has added two weeks to the gradual easing of lockdown.

The PTF Chairman and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, made this announcement during the PTF members briefing in Abuja.

He noted that inspire of the modest made, the country, Nigeria, is not ready for full opening of the economy and that tough decisions have been taking for the present lockdown ease for the good of the majority.

He said any relaxation will be very dangerous to the citizens of the country. He went further to say that the present lockdown ease will be managed for another two weeks with more strict enforcement and other measures to make people take heed.

Boss Mustapha further explained that the first phase of gradual easing that has been further extended is to adequately prepare other segments of the economy for compliance with the guidelines and the extension will commence in the coming weeks.

He further said that the PTF shares the pains of Nigerians and the future of the country depends on the citizens and that further decisions will depends greatly on the compliance of the citizens.

He also noted that the measures, advisories, exemptions, and scope allowed during the first phase of lockdown ease along with the newly approved recommendations, by President Muhammadu Buhari, which include intensifying efforts to communicate, manage and identify COVID-19 cases and the elevation of community ownership of non-pharmaceutical inventions shall be maintained for another two weeks starting from 12 midnight of May 18 to June 1.