The two more weeks lockdown would start as from June 1st, 2020, according to the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, who made the announcement in a broadcast to residents on Tuesday in Kaduna.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe explained that the measures were intended to preserve the state’s ability to protect citizens, empower citizens to lead the fight against Covid-19 as well as to make necessary adjustments to the partial lockdown to permit the safe resumption of the pursuit of livelihoods in more sectors.
“When the decision was taken on Saturday, 25th April 2020 to extend the initial lockdown by 30 days, the government also charged a committee of senior officials to begin planning a post-lockdown scenario for the state. That committee has since submitted its report on how to safely reopen Kaduna State, and it identified the availability of realistic health data as one crucial factor for making any decision”
According to her, preservation of the relaxations in the extension requires citizens to demonstrate greater compliance with laid down health protocols, particularly the wearing of facemasks outside the house, observance of physical distancing, regular handwashing with soap and water and the avoidance of large gatherings.
She said violation of the protocols would compel the government to reimpose restrictions, stressing that, a spike in Covid-19 infections would also necessitate a tightening of restrictions.
Dr Balarabe, however, explained that this week, relaxation of movement would be effected on Wednesday and Thursday.
The Deputy governor maintained that government give citizens a three-day window every week to shop for food and other essentials until otherwise stated.
She said, the lockdown-free days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, while temporary neighbourhood markets would continue to operate from 10 am to 4 pm on these three days, but citizens can move from 6 am to 6 pm on these lockdown-free days.
While Informal markets are not allowed and those flouting regulations by turning streets into markets are advised to stop.
Dr Balarabe further stated that the prohibition of interstate and intercity travel remains, adding that, government officials and mobile courts will enforce this ban to prevent people from spreading the virus through non-essential movement.
“In addition, the nighttime curfew that has been enforced across the state still remains, from 6pm to 6am”
Dr Hadiza further revealed that Schools, places of worship and markets would remain closed under the adjusted orders.
“The relevant government officials and agencies will be engaging with religious leaders, transport unions, traditional institutions, market unions, school proprietors and other stakeholders as may be identified from time to time, to discuss the conditions and circumstances for a safe reopening of these sectors’
According to her, Restaurants will be allowed to open strictly to offer takeaway services while bars, sporting venues and event centres remain closed as are hotels that have not specifically been licensed as essential service providers during this period.
The public sector will also use the two more weeks extension to prepare for limited resumption. Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies will ensure that government offices are reconfigured for physical distancing and that handwashing facilities are available, she added.