The Federal Government will evaluate outcomes after two weeks from Monday to determine if it would maintain, reverse or further ease the lockdown in Lagos and Ogun States and Abuja, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has said, explaining how the subnational economies would gradually reopen.
“Each phase (of lifting lockdown) is proposed for an initial two- week period with progression on to the next phase subject to review of progress,” the disease control centre said, noting that there will be a 2-week evaluation period between phases.
States and the Federal government will work with NCDC guidelines to determine progression to a subsequent phase, it explained.
Decisions would be made by evaluating data on active cases and the progress in the key sectors within the state.
Following the 2-week period, a decision would be made whether to tighten the lockdown protocol, remain at the current phase or move onto the next phase, NCDC said.
This means the period from phase one to phase two could span six weeks.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday May 28 announced that the lockdown in key states, then worst-hit, by COVID-19, would be eased starting from Monday, May 4 to soften blows to the state economies.
The President also announced a two-week lockdown in Kano and a ban on interstate travels except for moving food, drugs and a few other essentials.
Under the first phase, NCDC said activities in select sectors like
agricultural sector, public works, air and road transportation will
resume subject to an 8pm to 6am general curfew while selected offices will open from 9am to 2pm.
Use of facemasks has been mandated as well as social-distancing practices while individuals below 15 or above 49 are advised to stay indoors.
Schools, Sport and Religious gatherings, Hospitality services,
Concerts and Social parties remain banned under phase one.
Phase two will see further relaxation on sectors opened in phase one and additional sectors will be allowed to operate as state or federal governments deem fit.
Under the phase two, travel restrictions will be reduced and the
implementation of the phase would be decided by state government to fit their unique situations.
Lagos State governor Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said business premises and offices, including banks and restaurants would, from Monday, May 6, open from 9am to 3pm daily but must strictly observe and comply with the Covid-19 protocols, including social distancing, wearing of face masks, provision for hand washing and sanitizer at entrances to their premises while customers at restaurants will only be allowed to
purchase food for consumption at home.
He mandated that businesses operate with 60% of workforce onsite and 40% from home, as part of wider measures to curb the spread of the virus in Lagos which accounts for more than half of the disease cases reported in Nigeria.
While the ease of the lockdown has brought relief to some on economic concerns, many fear the disease might spread faster because of sharp rise in cases reported despite the lockdown that has lasted over a month.
Segun Adams
