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The Nigerian president said the country will begin gradually easing blockade restrictions to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in the states of the capital Lagos, Abuja and Ogun on May 4.
In a national broadcast on Monday night, Muhammadu Buhari said he made the decision after reviewing the blockade for more than four weeks to allow the country’s economy to function and still maintain a consistent response to contain the virus.
President Buhari said the new measures also include the mandatory use of face masks and a curfew from 8pm to 6am, with only essential travel allowed during the 10-hour period.
Buhari also said that he is sending more workers and health teams to northwest Kano state, where the blockade will remain in place due to an increase in covid-19 cases.
Buhari also promises to hold security personnel accountable for human rights abuses during the shutdown.
Nigeria reported 1,273 coronavirus cases and 40 deaths.
