Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru El-Rufai, has extended the lockdown in the state by another two weeks, Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe, said in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday.
Kaduna has been on lockdown for the past 60 days.
Mrs Balarabe, however, said the government expects residents to abide by the COVID-19 prevention protocol, otherwise any spike in the cases would force the government to tighten restrictions.
“The Kaduna State Government is conscious of the sacrifices that citizens have made and the many challenges that remain in keeping them safe from COVID-19,” she said.
“This is why the state government has adjusted and extended the Quarantine Orders by two weeks to empower citizens to more steadfastly carry forward the fight against COVID-19.
“Preservation of the relaxations in this extension requires that citizens demonstrate greater compliance with laid down health protocols, particularly the wearing of face masks outside the house, observance of physical distancing, regular hand washing with soap and water and the avoidance of large gatherings.
“Violation of these protocols will compel the government to reimpose restrictions.
“A spike in Covid-19 infections will also necessitate a tightening of restrictions.”
Balarabe added that the lockdown-free days have been extended to cover three days with effect from June 1.
“From Monday, 1st June 2020, the revised regulations will come into effect. They give citizens a three-day window every week to shop for food and other essentials,” she said.
“Until otherwise stated, the lockdown-free days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
“Temporary neighbourhood markets will continue to operate from 10am to 4pm on these three days, but citizens can move from 6am to 6pm on these lockdown-free days.
“Informal markets are not allowed and those flouting regulations by turning streets into markets are advised to stop.
“The adjusted orders also expand the ability of citizens to resume the pursuit of livelihoods in permitted sectors subject to compliance with health and safety protocols, including physical distancing.
“Private sector firms that meet these requirements will also operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
“This window also allows vulcanisers, welders, mechanics and providers of similar services to operate on the same days.”
She however reiterated that the prohibition of interstate and intercity travel remained in force.
