Banks, government offices, others to resume Monday - FG

All banks, government offices and manufacturing firms will resume work on Monday, May 4th, according to the directives by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

This is coming days after the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (Retd.) , announced that the lockdown relaxation will begin on Monday with an 8am to 6pm curfew.

The Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, and the Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu, stated this at the media briefing of the group on Wednesday in Abuja, where they gave guidelines for the gradual reopening of the economy.

Some points to note for all citizens are:

1. Dr Sani stated that banks will start operating as from Monday, but will only open from 8am to 2pm and must adhere to social distancing measures.



2. The PTF stated the importance of wearing face masks, a directive which must be adhered by people in public places.



3. According to the PTF, due to the rise in cases of COVID-19 in the country schools would remain closed and social parties should not be held.



4. Public buses would only be allowed to operate from 6am to 6pm and that drivers must maintain social distancing in terms of number of their passengers.



5. Employers must provide face masks and thermometers besides maintaining social distancing in their premises.
   

Government offices and many business premises had been shut since last month when the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) announced measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.

But the task force Chairman, Mustapha, on Wednesday said that the reopening of the economy did not mean an end to COVID-19 pandemic.

He urged state governments and security agencies to ensure that the measures introduced by the Federal Government were strictly enforced.

Mustapha said, “In line with Mr. President’s directive in paragraphs 38-41 of his broadcast (on Monday), the PTF has developed sector-specific guidelines. The gradual reopening of the economy will span a total of six weeks broken into three tranches of two weeks each.



“This phased strategy is designed to reduce the pains of socio-economic disruptions while strengthening our public health response, which would ultimately reduce the recovery of our economy and provide succour for the poor and vulnerable.”

Business premises must be fumigated

According to him, as the economy reopens gradually, public and private organisations are mandated to ensure fumigation and decontamination of their premises.

He added that in all private and public establishments, there must be use of face masks; provision of thermometers for temperature checks and consideration must be given to persons living with disabilities while making all the arrangements