The Federal Government yesterday gave a nod for students in the final classes of secondary schools to resume in order to get them prepared for final year examinations.

Speaking yesterday at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID 19, chairman of the task force and secretary to the government of the federation Boss Mustapha said only graduating pupils in Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 will resume.

He said that the latest developments tagged “safe reopening of schools” was contained in the task force’s fifth interim report which was submitted to the President earlier in the day.

Restrictions on interstate travel lifted:

The restriction on interstate travel was also lifted by the task force, while a safe reopening of the domestic aviation services was also being considered.

According to Boss Mustapha, ban placed on interstate travels will be lifted from July 1, provided such journeys are made outside curfew hours of 10pm to 4am.

“I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has carefully considered the 5th Interim Report of the PTF and has accordingly approved that, with the exception of some modifications to be expatiated upon later, the Phase Two of the eased lockdown be extended by another four weeks with effect from Tuesday, June 30, 2020 through midnight of Monday, 27 July, 2020.

“Specifically, however, the following measures shall either remain in place or come into effect:

“Maintaining the current phase of the national response, for another four weeks in line with modifications to be expatiated by the national coordinator;

“Permission of movement across state borders only outside curfew hours with effect from 1st July, 2020;

“Enforcement of laws around non-pharmaceutical interventions by states, in particular, the use of face masks in public places;

“Safe re-opening of schools to allow pupils in graduating classes resume in-person in preparation for examinations. Safe reopening of domestic aviation services as soon as practicable.”

The PTF chairman added that state governments would inspect facilities and confirm compliance as a pre-condition for resumption of interstate operations by transporters, while a non-compliance with the guidelines will result in withdrawal of permission to operate interstate mass transit.

FG re-opens schools, lifts interstate restrictions

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