The national economy will be reopened gradually, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage, the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19 has said.
The PTF said the opening, which will be done in six weeks, is broken into three tranches of two weeks each; noting that this phased strategy is designed to reduce the pains of socio-economic disruptions.
The PTF also said the period would enable for strengthening of public health response, which would reduce the recovery of the economy and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, and chairman of the Task Force, Boss Mustapha, stated these during the daily briefing on COVID-19 on Wednesday.
He added that state governments have been encouraged to provide leadership in engaging relevant associations responsible for various sectors.
While urging security agencies to strictly enforce the new measures that have been put in place by the government, the SGF said, “In line with Mr. President’s directive in paragraphs 38-41 of his broadcast, 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 to the poor and vulnerable.
“To underscore the collaborative efforts with sub-national levels of government, they are encouraged to provide leadership in engaging relevant associations responsible for various sectors; e.g market associations and transport unions for orderly and effective implementation.
“Similarly, I want to emphasise the need for the security agencies to strictly enforce these new measures that have been put in place.”
Mustapha added that the technical team of public health experts sent by the PTF to Kano State has commenced evaluation of the situation in the state, adding that 50 trucks of assorted grains have been sent to Kano and were due for delivery within the next 48 hours.
The SGF added, “In furtherance of tackling the situation in Kano, the technical team of public health experts sent by the PTF has begun the evaluation of the situation in the state, working in collaboration with the state’s team. I am pleased to also inform you that the operationalization of the laboratories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano, will considerably improve our response to the pandemic in Kano State.
“Additionally, 50 trucks of assorted grains have been sent to Kano and due for delivery within the next 48 hours. The PTF appreciates the cooperation of the governor and the medical team in Kano State.”
Mustapha explained that the overnight curfew is applicable nationwide from 8.00pm to 06.00am daily, effective Monday, 4th of May, 2020.
