COVID-19: Nigeria to consider additional restriction on gatherings – FG warns

The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) has urged Nigerians to observe COVID-19 precautions as they celebrate the Christmas and New Year holidays responsibly.

The Chairman, PSC on COVID-19, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, warned that they might consider stricter measures if the cases continue to increase in the nation.

The SGF urged Nigerians to continue to comply to COVID-19 safety measures in order to reduce the surge of new COVID-19 cases which may overburden Nigeria’s healthcare system.

He warned that the PSC may be forced to consider the introduction of additional restrictions on gatherings and curfews if the current surge in the number of cases continues.

“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.