The COVID-19 pandemic saw the closure of schools, markets, religious centers and recreational facilities across Nigeria. The government has eased into the third phase of the gradual ease of the lockdown with the opening of recreational centers, and the latest of which to open are cinemas. This news meets the entertainment industry with delight as it was recently reported that Nigerian cinemas recorded an 8 billion Naira loss during the lockdown.
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 announced in a media briefing last Thursday that cinemas, gyms and amusement parks can resume operations but at half capacity. The Presidential Task Force coordinator, Sani Aliyu, called on state governments to assess risks and totally comply with the guidelines and measures in place to combat the spread of COVID-19.
The PTF also stated that schools and National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) orientation camps remain closed but should take measures towards resuming within this third phase of gradual ease of restrictions.
Chairman of the Presidential Task Force, Mr Boss Mustapha is optimistic about a full reopening of the country by December with the cooperation of Nigerians.
“You know as a people we can decide to end or substantially reduce the rate of transmission in the country. And I believe we have the will, we have the resolve to do it. Let us exercise that will and resolve and tame this virus from its ravaging effect.
“We would have sufficiently tamed the virus, we would have solicited your cooperation in dealing with the virus by complying with the non-pharmaceutical measures that we have consistently advocated for. The next three months will be very key to how we proceed as a people and as a nation.”
