Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha
ABUJA, May 11 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The Federal Government of Nigeria has shut down bars, night clubs and recreational centres in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
The government also reintroduced COVID-19 restrictions across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Head of Technical Secretariat of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Dr Mukhtar Mohammed, said the new directive takes effect by midnight of Tuesday.
He said the bars and nightclubs should remain closed until further notice.
While stating that there was no limitation to intra-state travel, he advised that only essential international travels should be embarked upon with all existing protocols strictly adhered to.
On Sunday, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced 37 new cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 165,419, reported Pulse Nigeria.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari urged everyone celebrating the forthcoming Eid-Al-Fitr to be mindful of the pandemic and ensure they adhere to the safety coronavirus protocol.
This comes as Muslims in Nigeria and across the globe get set to mark Eid Al-Fitr on Thursday, a day that is celebrated to mark the end of Ramadan.
According to the presidential aide, the President, First Family, his personal aides, members of the cabinet, and Service Chiefs who choose to remain in Abuja will congregate in full compliance with COVID-19 protocols at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa to observe the Eid prayers at 9 a.m, Guardian reports.
Mallam Shehu also added that there would be no traditional Sallah homage to the President by religious, community and political leaders after the prayer.
“As was the case last year, the President encourages such leaders to be content with modest celebrations at home in view of the pandemic,” he said. — NNN-AGENCIES