Domestic flights resume June 21

Shedding more light on reopening the economy, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said the federal government has approved the opening of the nation’s airport for domestic flights from June 21.

He also said that from today, the nationwide curfew has been reduced to between 10pm-4am instead of from 8pm-6am.

“And just to clarify, the purpose of the curfew is to limit social interactions and therefore reduce the risk of transmission of the virus,” Aliyu said.

Aliyu also announced the reopening of the nation’s financial sectors, adding that they would be fully operational.

He said, “There will be full opening of financial sectors, with banks now allowed to operate normal working hours, five days a week. The mass gathering of 20 people outside a workplace or places of worship remains prohibited.

“There will be controlled access to markets and locations of economic activities, but local authorities will continue to provide guidance on opening times,” he said.

He said that while hotels may reopen, restaurants outside of hotels must remain closed for eat-in, except takeout or take away orders only.

He said, “Bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs and parks remain closed until further evaluation.”

On international flights, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said the date will soon be announced.

“We will be receiving directives or suggestions or practices and standards from the International Civil Organisation Aviation,” he said.

He also denied receiving kick -backs from private jet owners to approve their flight in the country.