The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has rolled out additional preventive measures for individuals, employers and businesses following Federal Government’s May 4 easing of COVID-19 lockdown in parts of the country.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of the NCDC, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja that the new directives resulted from evolving knowledge of COVID-19 locally and nationally.
Ihekweazu said these will be applied nationwide to individuals as well as businesses, employers and employees.
He said: “Mandatory use of non-medical face mask/covering for all persons and overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am.
“This means that all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services.
“Mandatory provision of hand washing facilities/sanitisers, single use latex gloves are discouraged, except in clinical settings, or if used, they should be disposed of safely after each single use.
“Restrictions on inter-state travel except for essential services or transportation of agricultural produce and other essential goods and extensive temperature checks on entry into the business premises and other public places.
“Physical distancing of two metres between people in workplaces and other public places and no large gatherings of more than 20 people outside the workplace.”
The DG advised employers and businesses to take the following measures seriously with a view to reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 in the workplace.
“Provide hand washing facilities/alcohol-based sanitizers – promote thorough and frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 second.”
Ihekweazu said employers could reduce the risk of spread of virus by ensuring extensive temperature checks on entry into office and business premises.
He said: “Mandate the use of non-medical face mask/covering for all staff at all times.
“Develop physical distancing strategies within the office or business environment to safeguard the health and safety of employees in line with guidelines set out by the NCDC.
“Where staff members have regular face-to-face contact with customers, ensure they have the necessary protective equipment to keep them safe and their health protected.
“Develop an infectious disease preparedness action plan to reduce the risk of exposure in the workplace and communicate it to all staff members.
“This includes identifying a central person focused on coordinating COVID-19 matters.
