Joseph Bakare
The Federal Government has declared a two-week total lockdown of Kano state with immediate effect.
This was disclosed in a state-wide address to Nigerians by President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, April 27, 2020.
‘‘In Kano, and indeed many of other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission,’’ Buhari said
The President advised Nigerians to continue to observe regular hand washing, social physical distancing; wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings.
He also announced a gradual easing of the lockdown currently in place in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja; with effect from Monday, May 4, 2020.
In addition, Buhari had stated that selected businesses can open from 9am to 6pm; even as he declared a curfew from 8pm to 6am as well as a ban on non-essential inter-state travels.
‘‘The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows; selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm; there will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements are will be prohibited during this period except essential services. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice.
‘‘State Governors may choose to amend adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances; provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued above on public health and hygiene.
‘‘These revised guidelines do not apply to Kano State which will be on total lockdown for the next two weeks with immediate effect. The total lockdown recently announced by the State Government shall remain enforced for the full duration. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State; in controlling and containing the pandemic.”