Nigeria lifts nighttime curfew amid decline in COVID-19 infections

By Jerry Omondi

People walks past a banner showing the flag-off of COVID-19 Mass Vaccination by the Nigerian government in Abuja, Nigeria, on November 19, 2021. /CFP

The Nigerian government on Wednesday lifted a nationwide nighttime curfew as the country continues to see a decline in new COVID-19 infections.

The curfew has been in place since May 10, 2021, as one restriction aimed at containing the spread of the virus.

Restrictions on parties, concerts and other crowded activities were also lifted.

In a statement, the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) pointed out that the ease of restrictions was done in line with the three established thematic areas of movement, industry and labour, as well as community activities.

PSC added that the decision was advised by the reduced risk of importation of new variants, availability of vaccines and the increasing number of people vaccinated in Nigeria and globally.

The West African country has so far reported 255,516 COVID-19 infections and 3,142 fatalities.

The health authorities however urged the public to continue adhering to the existing health protocols aimed at containing further spread of the virus.

These include hand hygiene, social distancing and the use of face coverings.

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