BREAKING: FG lifts ban on interstate movement, okays reopening of schools for graduating Students

The Federal Government (FG) Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 (PTF) has lifted the ban on interstate travel. This is part of the modification made when the PTF on Monday announced the extended phase two of eased lockdown for four weeks effective from tomorrow June 30 to July 27.

The slight modifications to the extended phase two of lockdown exist.

They include reopening of schools only for classes with terminal exams (Primary 6, JS1 and SS3), interstate movement outside curfew hours (10 pm to 4 am), and resumption of local flights as soon as practicable in line with local and international guidelines.

The students expected to resume are in Primary 6 who are to write the Common Entrance Examination; Junior Secondary School 3 students and Senior Secondary School 3 students.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) announced this in its daily briefing in Abuja, adding that though it asked those categories of students to resume, students in other classes are not allowed to resume.

The presidential Taskforce chairman, Boss Mustapha said, “I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has acc ordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase II of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through Midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.

“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:

“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;

“Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;

“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;

“Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations;

“Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable;

“Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities;

“Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response.”

Details later…