Nigeria to gradually ease lockdown restrictions: COVID-19

FILE PHOTO: Nigeria's president Muhammadu Buhari./Reuters

Nigeria's president said the country will begin a gradual easing of lockdown restrictions to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in thecapital, Lagos,AbujaandOgunStatesMay 4.

In a national broadcast late Monday, Muhammadu Buhari saidhe made the decision after reviewing the more thanafour-week lockdown to allow the country’s economy to operate andstill keepa steady response in containing the virus.

President Buhari said the new measures also include a mandatory use of face masks and a curfew from 8pm to 6am, with only essential travel allowed during the10-hourperiod.

Buhari also said he is sending more health workers and equipment to northwest Kano State, where the lockdown will remain in place because of an increase in covid-19 cases.

Buhari also promises to hold security personnel accountable for human rights abuses during the lockdown.

Nigeria reported1,273 cases of the coronavirus and 40 deaths.

Source: VOA