FG Reopens Schools For Some Students, Lifts Ban On Inter-State Movement

The Federal Government this Monday evening, June 29, 2020, announced the reopening of schools as part of modifications to the COVID-19 lockdown, phase two of which it extended for another 30 days.

The resumption is, however, limited to graduating JSS 3 and SSS 3 preparing to write their final examinations.

Chairman of the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force (PTF), Boss Mustapha, announced this during today’s briefing by the Task Force in Abuja.

He also announced the lifting of the ban on inter-state movement but excluding the curfew period of 10 pm – 4 am.

Mr. Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), equally announced that airports would reopen in phases.

Mustapha said, “I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly 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 mobilize additional resources for the response.”

The media briefing was still in progress at the time of this report.