Federal government establishments, banks, construction companies, manufacturing and others can commence operations from May 4th, that’s according to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

The Task Force in its daily briefings on Wednesday said that the resumption would be based on specific grade levels.

Chairman of the task force, Boss Mustapha who doubles as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in his briefing said construction, manufacturing and food processing companies would be allowed to open, while banks would operate from 8a.m. to 2p.m. daily – all observing the new restrictions put in place by the government.

He stated that the temperature test, respiratory hygiene and restriction of gathering of not more than 20 persons would be mandatory to be observed.

“For government offices, government staff will be allowed to resume from May 4, but it will be based on specific grade levels and specific days so that we can reduce the amount of congestion that we might have in our government offices.

“We will be discussing further with state governments to make sure that we have a common approach to this.

“Banks will be allowed to open but there will be restriction in the opening hours to between 8a.m. to 2p.m. and together with all the other preventive measures I have already mentioned,” he stated.

He noted that in addition to this, from the point of agriculture and rural development, companies involved in food processing would commence operation.

He maintained that construction sites and critical road projects would be allowed, while waivers would be provided by state governments to enable movement.

For the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, he encouraged them to shift work and limit staff to only 30 to 50 per cent to maintain social distancing and pharmacy shops may remain open overnight.

He, however, said that restrictions on social gatherings remained suspended pending review of the new measures put in place by the government.