FG approves reopening of schools, gives condition

The Federal Government has announced the reopening of schools nationwide in the next phase of the gradual easing of lockdown as part of its measures to curb further spread of COVID-19, adding that only graduating students will resume.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha who disclosed at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on Monday, described the decision as what it called “safe reopening.”

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation noted that the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations.

Read also: Alleged Certificate Forgery: Court dismisses suit against Obaseki

He said, “I am pleased to inform you that Mr. President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase II of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020, through Midnight of Monday, 27 July 2020.

“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:

“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the National Coordinator;
“Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July 2020;

“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by States, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;

“Safe re-opening of schools to allow students in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations;

“Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable;

“Publication of revised guidelines around the three thematic areas of general movement, industry and labour; and community activities;

“Provision of technical support for states to mobilise additional resources for the response.”