COVID-19: FG Restricts Religious Gathering, Shuts Down Bars, Night Clubs, Event Centres

The Federal Government has announced new restrictions which will be implemented over the next five weeks to combat the second wave of coronavirus across the country.

Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, who disclosed this on Monday, said the new measures were approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Accoding to him, Buhari ordered the closure of all bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues for the next five weeks to contain the spike in COVID-19.

The government also restricted religious gathering and guests at all informal and formal festivity events, including weddings, office parties, concerts, and end of year events to 50 persons.

“President Muhammadu Buhari 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:

“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 events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 persons;

“Limit All gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50% capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced, and

“Where more than 50 persons are attending, any such events, the gathering should be held outdoors only,” Mustapha said.

The PTF also advised state governments to reduce overcrowding in public spaces by encouraging virtual meetings in government offices, and ensuring staff work from home where possible.

The task force said schools must remain closed nationwide till January 18, 2021, to enable the measures introduced to take effect.

People over the age of 60 and/or with co-morbidities are also encouraged to stay at home and avoid crowds, while all non-essential travels, both domestic and international, are discouraged.

Mustapha added that public transportation systems are to carry passengers not more than 50 percent of their capacity in compliance with social distancing rules.

KanyiDaily recalls that a Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar had also advised the President Buhari to temporarily ban all flights to and from the United Kingdom in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.