The Federal Government has announced the relaxation of the restriction placed on places of worship as part of measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced this during the daily briefing of the panel on Monday.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to Government of the Federation, said the ban on inter-state travel is still in place.

Mustapha said the relaxation of the restriction on places of worship is based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments. However, the gathering of more than 20 persons remains prohibited outside of workplaces and in religious services.

He said; “The PTF submitted its recommendations and the PRESIDENT has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June 2020, subject to review.

“Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19; application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country.

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"Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities; sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include: ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace.

“Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments.”

"The nationwide curfew has also been rescheduled to 10 pm—4 am. Restaurants outside of hotels must remain closed for eat-in, only take-out is permitted at this time.

"Schools, bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks are to remain closed until further evaluation.

It was further learned that the aviation Industry requested to start developing protocols for domestic flights to possibly resume from June 21.

The Federal Government had previously set the timing of the curfew from 8 pm to 6 pm.