COVID-19: Nigeria To Consider Additional Restriction On Gatherings — FG Warns

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) has encouraged Nigerians to take COVID-19 measures while celebrating the holidays properly this Christmas and New Year.

In a statement issued on Thursday across Abuja, the Chairman of the PSC on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, warned that if the cases continue to rise in the country, stronger measures may be considered.

The SGF advised Nigerians to continue to follow COVID-19 safety precautions in order to prevent a surge in new COVID-19 cases that would put the country’s healthcare system under strain.

If the current spike in the number of cases continues, he cautioned, the PSC may be compelled to consider imposing new limitations on meetings and curfews.

“As we prepare to celebrate with our families and loved ones, it is important that we do so safely by taking the necessary precautionary measures to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in our nation.

“Nigeria is now experiencing the 4th wave as new cases have continued to rise.”

The PSC Chairman strongly appealed to Nigerians to avoid activities that involve mass gathering especially in enclosed spaces, as follows; Families are advised to limit the number of visitors to their homes and put in place precautionary safety measures;

“Any gathering in excess of 50 people should be done in open spaces with physical distancing;

“Indoor religious congregation should be limited to 50 per cent capacity with full compliance to public health social measures; and Face masks and hand sanitizers should be used at all times regardless of vaccination status while in public spaces.

“Nigerians have been advised to avoid non-essential interstate travel at this period as this increases the risk of spreading COVID-19 from one place to another.

“The PSC wishes all Nigerians a merry Christmas and Happy Year 2022,” he added.