Why We Asked Workers To Return To Work, Presidential Task Force On Coronavirus

Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on coronavirus Pandemic, Boss Mustapha, has said that workers from below Grade Level 12 have been directed to return to work on October 19 as part of steps to relax imposed restrictions in the third phase of the national response as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Briefing newsmen today, October 15, Boss Mustapha, who is the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), said that other measures in the new move to relax restrictions include the gradual and safe reopening of schools and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) camps as well as recommencement of sporting leagues involving outdoor activities.

He said that the Presidential Task Force would advise the various offices to consider alternating office attendance among lower level staff.

This was even as the National Coordinator of the PTF, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said that Nigeria is maintaining the phase three of the national response with some modifications.

“It is therefore the informed recommendation of the PTF that Nigeria maintains Phase 3 of the response with further changes to address economic, socio-political and healthcare.

“In this regard, and effective from Monday, October 19, 2020 at a minute past midnight, the following guidelines will come into place.

“The lifting of restriction on outdoor sporting activities including football is in line with earlier consultations with the Federal Ministry of Youth Sport Development and NCDC. However, this is limited to the actual sport itself not with mass gatherings.

“In this regard mass gathering including at sport events is still restricted as this represent an opportunity for the virus to spread with an increased rate of a second wave.

“For gatherings in enclosed places, this will continue to be limited to only 50 persons with physical distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks except for workplaces.

“The PTF also believes that it is now time to allow civil servants of all grades to resume work safely. Additional guidelines will be provided for heads of MDAs.”