FG orders govt workers to stay at home for 5 weeks, imposes restriction on large gatherings

The Federal Government on Monday announced a new wave of restrictions following the increase in cases of COVID-19 as it ordered all federal civil servants on Grade Level 12 and below to stay at home for the next five weeks from Monday.

Boss Mustapha, the Presidential Task Force (PTF) chairperson and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this known at the national media briefing in Abuja.

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.

Mustapha also said all bars, nightclubs, pubs, event centres and other recreational venues are to be closed just as all restaurants except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed.

To be restricted are all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events to not be more than 50 persons.

According to the SGF, there will be limits to gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50 per cent capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing and mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced.

He said public transportation systems are to carry passengers not more than 50 per cent of their capacity in compliance with social distancing rules while compliance with NPI protocols especially the advisory on wearing of face masks in public spaces should be enforced.