Second Wave: COVID-19 FG Says There’s No Fresh Lockdown, Explains Why

Although there have been various degrees of restrictions, the Federal Government on Tuesday clarified that it has not declared a fresh lockdown of the country following confirmation of the second wave of COVID-19.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave this clarification when he featured on a Radio Nigeria programme, “Politics Nationwide’’.

The minister said the directives and position of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at its briefing on Monday, did not translate to partial or total lockdown as reported in some sections of the media.

He allayed the fears of Nigerians and some listeners that called-in during the programme that a lockdown might have negative effects on the already stressed economy. Mohammed explained that what the Federal Government had done was to reduce the chances of mass gathering by directing its workers from Level 12 below to work from home.

He said the government also reiterated already existing ban on night clubs and other COVID-19 protocols. The minister said the government also reminded Nigerians that the ban on social gathering is still on and churches and mosques should obey the social gathering rules.

He said the directive is to curtail people from gathering because they found out that COVID-19 had reached the level of community transmission.

Mohammed said the protocols on foreign travels subsist to the effect that those travelling to Nigeria would not be able to come on board unless they have the certificate that they tested negative for the virus.

He said when they arrive into the country, they must self-isolate for seven days after which they would go back for a confirmation test.