Lockdown easing: Key things you need to know about the second phase

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, stated during the presidential task force (PTF) briefing on Monday, 29th June, that the second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown in the country has been extended by four weeks.

According to Mustapha, President Buhari has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatriated upon later, the phase 2 of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, 30 June 2020, through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 also announced new measures as Nigeria commences Phase 2 of ‘Eased Lockdown’

Here are a few things you need to know about this phase:

1. The ban on interstate travel has now been lifted. This means that from Wednesday, July 1, 2020, you are allowed to travel across Nigeria outside curfew hours of 4am to 10pm. Please note that the ban persists within curfew hours.

2. Drivers have been directed to only fill 50% of their vehicles’ capacity during travels.

3. President Buhari has approved the reopening of schools for students in graduating classes, in order to allow them prepare for examinations. The classes are Primary 6, JSS3 and SSS3.

4. Tertiary schools and other school classes outside of those mentioned above will remain closed. Daycare centers are to remain shut as well.

5. Domestic aviation services can now commence “as soon as practicable, in line with existing international and local guidelines on COVID-19.” This means local flights are back in business.

6. Phase 2 of ‘Eased Lockdown’ phase has been extended for another 4 weeks (June 30-July 27). That means on July 27, we’d know what comes next.

7. Parks, gyms, cinemas, event centres and nightclubs remain closed, according to the PTF’s national coordinator, Sani Aliyu.