FG directs banks, government offices, firms to reopen on Monday

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19   has directed government offices, banks and manufacturing companies to reopen on Monday.

The Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha, and the Coordinator, Dr Sani  Aliyu, stated this at the media briefing of the group on Wednesday in  Abuja, where they gave guidelines for the gradual reopening of the economy.

According to them, banks will start operating as from Monday, but will only open from 8am to 2pm and must adhere to social distancing measures.

They also stated that people in public places must use face masks, adding that schools would remain closed and social parties should not be held.

The PTF members disclosed that public buses would only be allowed to operate from  6am to 6pm and that drivers must maintain social distancing in terms of number of their passengers.

They said employers must provide face masks and thermometers besides maintaining social distancing in their premises.

Government offices and many business premises had been shut since last month when the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) announced measures to stop the spread of coronavirus.

But the task force Chairman, Mustapha, on Wednesday said that the reopening of the economy did not mean an end to COVID-19 pandemic.

He urged state governments and security agencies to ensure that the measures introduced by the Federal Government were strictly enforced.

Mustapha said, “In line with Mr. President’s directive in paragraphs 38-41 of his broadcast (on Monday), the PTF has developed sector specific guidelines. The gradual reopening of the economy will span a total of six weeks broken into three tranches of two weeks each.

“This phased strategy is designed to reduce the pains of socio-economic disruptions while strengthening our public health response, which would ultimately reduce the recovery of our economy and provide succour for the poor and vulnerable.”