COVID-19 restrictions: Who and what are affected?

Nigeria has reintroduced public health regulations expected to revive a level of compliance last seen during the wake of the first wave of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Preventive measures such as the use of face mask, physical distancing, temperature checks or hand washing and sanitisation have generally been discarded since the lockdown of 2020 was eased and international air travelling reopened.

But with stormy waves of new COVID-19 variants hitting Brazil, India and Turkey, leaving thousands dead, the Federal Government is back to tightening these loose ends with restrictions particularly on public gatherings.

What is affected?

Mass gathering for weddings, campaigns, and funerals has been restricted. Gathering in enclosed areas such as workplaces has been reduced to a maximum of 50 persons with physical distancing measures to be enforced.

Public places including business premises, worship centres, recreational facilities, markets and motor parks are directed to enforce temperature checks and ‘no-mask, no-entry’ policy.

Meetings of government bodies will now hold virtually while essential physical meetings including official trips, oversight visits and board meetings have been suspended.

“These measures are to enable the government effectively prevent and control the resurgence of an acute phase of this pandemic, continue to strengthen our public health systems, and protect the lives of Nigerians and our economy,” the Presidential Steering Committee said in guidelines for phased restriction.

“It is critical that greater ownership and responsibility for these measures are secured from both the general public and government institutions across federal and state levels, with enforcement by the relevant authorities.”

Travelling by air is highly discouraged while road or rail travel remain unrestricted but passengers and commuters are encouraged to use face masks, wash their hands with soap under running water and sanitise with alcohol-based sanitisers before and after each trip.

Who is affected?

A nationwide curfew will be in force from 12 am to 4am. But people can move freely during the day under compliance with preventive measures.

Elder citizens 60 and above and those living with underlying conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease are urged to stay home and avoid crowds.

Students and pupils are to continue schooling with compliance with hand washing, use of nose masks and temperature checks while schools with accommodation facilities are urged to consider the use of approved Ag-rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) as recommended by the government.

All government staff on level 12 and below are to continue working from home until June, 11.

Also all recreational venues, gyms, and indoor sports facilities are to close until June, 11.