The federal government on Monday June 1, lifted the ban on religious gatherings across the country.

Chairman of the presidential task force on COVID-19 and secretary to the government of the federation, Boss Mustapha made the announcement during the daily briefing of the task force today.

Mustapha said relaxation of restriction on places of worship is based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments. However gathering of more than 20 persons remains prohibited outside of work places and in religious services.

He said;

“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.”

The nationwide curfew has also been rescheduled to 10pm—4am. Restaurants outside of hotels must remain closed for eat-in, only take-out is permitted at this time.

Schools, bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks are to remain closed until further evaluation. It was further learnt that the aviation Industry requested to start developing protocols for domestic flights to possibly resume from June 21.