COVID-19: FG Takes fresh decision on Schools, bars, cinemas & nightclubs

The Federal Government has declared that daycare centres and educational institutions from primary to tertiary levels must remain shut to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

It also said bars, cinemas, gyms and nightclubs must also not open yet.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, stated this during its briefing in Abuja.

According to him: “For community activities as it relates to daycare and primary schools, all daycare and primary schools are to remain closed till further evaluation.

“However, while primary schools must remain closed, registered pupils may proceed to take the National Common Entrance as soon as it is feasible, provided there is compliance with issued non-pharmaceutical guidelines.

“For secondary and tertiary institutions, these remain closed. However, we have made arrangements for exiting and graduating students in their final year of secondary school to partake in exams in line with guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.

“However, schools must comply with the six (6) recommended steps and required measures issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and which is available online.

“There are no new changes to places of worship – our policy remains the same.

“We continue to allow personalised services such as mechanics, artisans, hair salons etc. who own their own workshops or workstations, and can clearly adhere to non-pharmaceutical interventions.

“For hotel restaurants and eateries, hotels may continue to remain open but must observe all mandatory non-pharmaceutical interventions. Restaurants have to maintain the takeaway/ delivery system until further notice. Bars, gyms, cinemas and nightclubs remain closed until further in valuation.”