The Niger State Government has relaxed the total lockdown imposed on the state to curb the spread of COVID-19 and has extended the inter/intrastate movement of people by another two weeks. This is coming after increasing cases of COVID-19 in bordering states and all over the country.
In a meeting between the Executive Council and COVID-19 Taskforce, Governor Sani Bello said that there is clear evidence that the lockdown is working and that it has slowed down the progression of the pandemic in the state. He added that while a total lockdown is needed to contain the spread of the virus, it cannot be sustained indefinitely.
The government, in the new guidelines it issued on Monday, stated that people will be allowed to move within their immediate environment but schools will remain closed. There will be a 3-day window every week, Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday from 7:00 am to 12 midnight, while the movement of people is restricted to their local governments only.
There shall be no form of social or religious gatherings during the weekly window periods.
Also, all shops and places of worship that did not provide basic handwashing materials, keep to physical distancing, and the use of facemask should be closed while Motorcycles and Keke Napep are only allowed to carry one and two passengers respectively as long as they wear face masks.
He added that all Almajiris will be evacuated to their respective states while those of Niger State origin in other states will be welcomed and quarantined for two weeks.
The new guidelines also ban bus services during the lockdown. It adds that a mass gathering of more than 20 people is not allowed.
Governor Sani Bello said, during this period, his government will commence the distribution of the second round of palliatives across all the 274 wards in the state specifically targeting the poorest and most vulnerable households.
He urged the Niger State Taskforce to work with the Local Government Chairman to see that everything goes smoothly and the reviewed restriction is strictly obeyed by the citizens.
