The Federal Government has said the relaxation of lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States was to enable Nigerians gradually return to their daily lives but in a moderated manner.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, said this on Tuesday in Abuja at the 21st joint national briefing of the committee.
He said that the COVID-19 pandemic had permanently altered Nigerians’ way of life and they must begin to learn how to adjust to this new reality.
Mustapha said: “The relaxation of the lockdown is to enable us gradually return to our daily lives but in a moderated manner.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has permanently altered our ways of life and we must begin to learn how to adjust to this new reality.
“This relaxation does not in any way imply that the danger has passed.
“The virus is still potent, virulent and dangerous. We must remain very vigilant and careful.
“We must take responsibility for our actions. We must commit to a collective victory over COVID-19.”
President Muhammadu Buhari had eased the lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun States, effective from Monday, May 4.
The lockdown was imposed on March 29 as part of measures to halt the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Buhari in a national broadcast on Monday, announced that he had approved gradual easing of the lockdown measures.
He said: “I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.”
Mustapha said Monday’s broadcast by President Buhari was an expression of the President’s determination to provide leadership while at the same time ensuring that the rights of Nigerians are respected, security provided for all citizens, the poor and vulnerable are protected and that minimal discomfort is experienced even in the face of a global pandemic that is ravaging the wealth and health of the world.
He added that the lockdown for FCT, Lagos and Ogun states shall remain in force till midnight of Sunday 3rd May, 2020 after which the new regime of measures shall take effect.
While saying that law enforcement agencies shall therefore continue to enforce the restriction of movements, the SGF urged Nigerians to continue to adhere to the restriction orders.
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