[BREAKING] COVID-19: Buhari Exempts Journalists, Others From Sit-At-Home Order

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that journalists and all other media practitioners are excluded from the restriction of movement within Abuja, Lagos, Ogun states.

He gave this permission on Sunday evening while giving updates on the government’s fight towards halting the spread of Coronavirus pandemic across Nigeria, making an order for the cessation of all other movements for two weeks.

Those who work at hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organisations in healthcare-related manufacturing and distribution are also excused from this restriction.

In the presidential broadcast on the COVID-19 pandemic, Buhari partly said: “Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11 pm on Monday, 30th March 2020.

“This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed.

“All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.

“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.

“We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

“This order does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in healthcare-related manufacturing and distribution.”

“Workers in telecommunication companies, broadcasters, print and electronic media staff who can prove they are unable to work from home are also exempted”, the president added.