The Nigerian government on Monday ordered the closure of bars, nightclubs and restaurants to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the second wave.
Nigeria, after a period of the low number of case incidences, has recorded high numbers in the past few weeks including a daily highest figure of over 900 cases.
There are more than 78,000 cases recorded so far, with the country being the worst-hit in the West African subregion. Nigeria has also recorded more than 1,200 deaths since the disease broke out earlier in the year.
Recall that Nigeria had earlier imposed a lockdown to check the spread of the disease in the first wave.
In order to check an impending loom and limit the fast-spreading disease, the Nigerian government has also asked federal workers on Grade Level 12 and below to sit at home.
“In line with the authorisation, the PTF wishes to issue the following advisories to sub-national entities for implementation over the next five weeks because these activities are considered super spreader events:” Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of Nigeria’s Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha said on Monday.
“Close All bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues;
“Close all restaurants except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed;
“Restrict all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 persons;
“Limit All gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50% capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced
“Where more than 50 persons are attending, any such events, the gathering should be held outdoors only;
“Public transportation systems are to carry passengers not more than 50% of their capacity in compliance with social distancing rules.
“Enforce compliance with NPI protocols especially the advisory on wearing of face masks in public spaces;
“To reduce overcrowding in public spaces, markets, shopping centres, offices and schools States are advised to implement the following:
“Encourage virtual meetings in government Offices. The leadership of such offices are to ensure that all offices are well-ventilated offices, and encourage staff to work from home where possible;
“All government staff on GL.12 and below are to stay at home for the next 5 weeks; Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executives are to be held accountable for enforcing NPI rules in their domains with frequent spot checks;
“The PTF on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Education, expects that schools would have vacated from the 18th December 2020 and remain closed till at least the 18th of January, 2021 to enable the measures introduced to take effect.”
The second wave of COVID-19 is suspected to be driven by a new strain of cornonavirus which has a faster rate of transmission but less deadly.