Two weeks after announcing a restriction order to forestall the spread of COVID-19, Niger State Government has relaxed the order.
The new restriction, according to the Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Matane, will be from 2 pm to 10 pm daily.
Briefing newsmen in Minna on Sunday, the SSG who is the Head of the Taskforce on COVID-19 in the stat,e said the new order would be reviewed after a while depending on how the level of compliance.
“Niger State Government relaxes the curfew imposed on the State from 2 pm to 10 pm beginning from today, Sunday, 5th April 2020; the measure is to enable
people to stock food and other essentials.
“Government had earlier imposed a curfew from 10 am to 12 midnight following residents’ non-compliance to
the sit-at-home order as well as nonchalant attitude of some people towards the prevention of COVID-19 in the State.”
Matane said that all civil servants in the state from level 1 to 12 would resume by Mondayfrom 8 am to 2 pm.
It would be recalled that the civil servants from 1 to 12 had been told to stay at home following the curfew imposed by the government while those on level 13 and above were still reporting to work.
The SSG said that that market would also be opened during this window of movement, stressing that the traders have been told to ensure all precautionary measures are taken.
He further said that all schools remain closed until the COVID-19 pandemic is clear.
“It may interest you to know that any person who fails to comply with a restriction, prohibition or requirement
imposed under this Order or do anything contrary to the provisions of this Order shall be liable to a fine or imprisonment or both accordance with the extant law,” Matane stated.
The SSG further said baring all odds, by Friday, there may be Jumat services in mosques and congregational services in churches on Sunday.
He added that all the 12 entry points into the state would remain closed, while intra and interstate movement of people and vehicles remain banned.
