Pulse Nigeria is the most followed news and entertainment platform, informing and engaging young Nigerians round the clock, providing updates by the hour.

Pulse Nigeria

The ban on passenger flights and interstate travel will remain in place.

Nigerian government says reopening of economy will take 6 weeks | Pulse Nigeria

Samson Toromade

<h1>The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 says the gradual reopening of the Nigerian economy will span the total of six weeks, broken into three tranches of two weeks each.</h1>

President Muhammadu Buhari had announced new nationwide measures earlier this week to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease, four weeks after he placed Lagos, Ogun, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on total lockdown.

The president said the lockdown will end on May 4, 2020, after which economic activities are allowed to gradually restart, lamenting about the economic damage caused by the disruption.

While speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, April 29, 2020, chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, said the task force has prepared sector-specific guidelines to direct the reopening announced by Buhari.

"The first strategy is designed to reduce the pain of socioeconomic disruptions while strengthening public health response to ultimately revive the economy and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable," he said.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation directed that the management of offices and businesses that will reopen next week must take preparatory steps which includes fumigation and decontamination of offices, application of the mandatory use of face masks, and the provision of hand sanitisers and handwashing facilities for staff.

He said businesses must also make arrangements for physical distancing on their premises and provide thermometers for temperature checks.

He also appealed that persons living with disabilities must be considered in designing measures to keep people safe while businesses resume activities.

Mustapha said the 8 pm to 6 am curfew announced by Buhari will apply nationwide, stressing that the ban on passenger flights and interstate travel will remain in place, except for essential services.

He said new returnees from abroad who have to be allowed into the country will be placed under supervised isolation for at least 14 days.

Gatherings of more than 20 people outside the workplace are also prohibited, according to Mustapha.

The SGF encouraged state governments to provide leadership in the enforcement of the new measures by partnering with relevant associations.&nbsp;

"I must emphasise that the easing of restrictions and introduction of revised measures do not amount to the end of the battle against COVID-19.&nbsp;

"Indeed, it signifies the need for more vigilance, stringent compliance, so that we're not lured into complacency capable of diminishing the progress we've made so far," he said.

Nigeria has recorded&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/coronavirus-timeline-and-profile-of-cases-in-nigeria/k9p6lbk">1,532 coronavirus cases</a>&nbsp;in 33 states and the FCT, as of April 28.

255 people have recovered, but 44 people have died.

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha. [Twitter/@DigiCommsNG]

Nigerian government says reopening of economy will take 6 weeks

Pulse Picks

Business

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Politics

Local

Metro

World

News 

Celebrities

Music

Movies

Fashion

Beauty & Health

Relationships & Weddings

Food & Travel

Domestic

International 

Sports 

Celebrity Picks

Pulse Marketing

Explore categories

Influencer Awards

Company Pages

Breaking News & Top Stories | Pulse Nigeria

Video

Checkout our authors for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria 

Authors | Pulse Nigeria

| Pulse Nigeria

Read the latest news across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Search for the latest content across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria

Search Results | Pulse Nigeria

Watch the latest videos across entertainment, sports, business and more. Be first to receive exclusive updates with your free subscription straight to your phone | Pulse Nigeria