This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
As of July 1, 2020, Nigeria has lifted the ban on interstate movement outside curfew hours, allowing people to travel between states outside the 10pm to 4am curfew. This decision was announced by Boss Mustapha, the chairman of the presidential task force on COVID-19.
Additionally, airports have been reopened for domestic flights, and students due to graduate this year will be allowed to return to school to prepare for exams. However, other children are still barred from attending school.
According to Mustapha, the task force is trying to strike a 'delicate balance' between protecting people's livelihoods and their health. He noted that the country has observed with growing concern the non-compliances with measures designed to prevent transmission, and warned that 'we run the risk of erasing the gains made in the last three months' if these measures are not adhered to.
Nigeria has reported over 24,000 cases of COVID-19 and 565 deaths as of Sunday, July 1, 2020. The country has imposed a 10pm to 4am curfew and ordered people to wear masks in public places to curb the spread of the virus.
