The Federal Government on Monday lifted the ban on religious gatherings across the country.

This was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, at the daily media briefing in Abuja.

“The PTF submitted its recommendations and the President has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review-:

“Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19; application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

“Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non pharmaceutical interventions within communities; sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include: ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

“Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments.”

In another development, the Federal Government through the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu also said hotels in the country could resume openings, effective from Tuesday, June 2.

Aliyu stated this during a briefing in Abuja.

He said, “Effective from Tuesday, June 2, the easing of the lockdown will be characterise by the following:

“Hotels may reopen but must observe all mandatory non-pharmaceutical intervention.

“Restaurants other than those in hotels must remain closed for eating but are allowed to priotise and continue practicing the take-away system.

“Bars, gyms, cinemas and night clubs are closed till further evaluation.”

The national coordinator stressed that the goal of the review is to allow the full restoration of the Nigerian economy.

In the same vein, the National Coordinator also asked the aviation sector to begin to develop protocols that will lead to the resumption of domestic flights any time from June 21.

He said, “The aviation industry is requested to start developing protocols to allow for domestic flights to resume anytime from the 21st of June onwards.

“Airlines must ensure physical distancing by reducing passenger capacity and ensure the provision of sanitisers and personal protective equipment as well as carrying out temperature checks at the point of entry and departure and ensuring that airports are not congested by either travellers or airports staff.”

The country’s airports and airspace were shut in March by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), as part of efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commercial flight operations, both local and international, had stopped forthwith but the President’s directive allowed the operation of essential flights including those for medical and evacuation purposes, amongst others.

On May 6, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced that the closure of the country’s airports and airspace were further extended by four weeks after due consultations with experts.