FG Extends Present Lockdown Phase By 4 Weeks

The Federal Government has extended by four weeks, the current phase in easing the lockdown imposed to contained the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Secretary to the Government of of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, on Thursday during Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 media briefing that President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for extension.

During the extension, Mustapha said the federal government would continue to work with both state and local governments to improve awareness on the COVID-19 response, contact tracing and grassroots mobilisation.

He said that after due consideration of the recommendations, “Mr President approved the following: Maintaining the current phase of the National Response to COVID-19 for another four weeks in line with the modifications reflected in the Report. ”

He added that the extension was an opportunity to:

“Strengthen collaboration with other mandate groups at federal/state levels to harmonise the country’s COVID-19 response, on the short, medium and long-term basis.

“Mandate State authorities and the FCT, to enforce non-pharmaceutical guidelines, primarily the use of face masks in public appearance and places.”