The Nigerian government on Tuesday announced further restrictions after confirming that the country was facing a rise in the number of infections akin to the second wave being experienced in other countries.
The government also singled out Lagos, Kaduna and the capital Abuja as the new epicentres of infections adding that they accounted for more than 70 percent of all confirmed cases.
All bars, night clubs, pubs, event centres and recreational venues are to be closed. Additionally, all restaurants, including takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins, except those offering services to restaurants are also to be closed.
All schools are to be closed and vacated by December 18 until at least January 18. Moreover, all public transport systems are supposed to ensure that the numbers of passengers they carry do not exceed 50 percent of their capacity.
The government said the number of people attending formal and informal festivity events, such as weddings, office parties, concerts and sporting activities, should not exceed 50. Only gatherings held outdoors will be allowed to have more than 50 people in attendance.
Meanwhile, religious gatherings will have their numbers restricted to less than half of the facility in use during which physical distancing and mandatory use of face masks will be mandatory.
All government staff at Grade Level 12 and below were ordered to stay at home for the next five weeks while elderly persons and/or those with pre-existing conditions were encouraged to remain at home and avoid large gatherings.
The restrictions will be in place for the next five weeks.
The government also urged the public not to undertake any non-essential local and international travel during the festive period.
On Wednesday, Namibia imposed a 9 pm to 4 am curfew effective immediately through January 13.
Public gatherings are limited to a maximum of 50 people.
Alcohol sales for on-site consumption is now allowed only between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays.
Namibia Health Minister Kalumbi Shangula says violators could face fines up to $6800 or up to 10 years in prison.
Shangula said confirmed cases in Namibia over the past week have reached levels never seen before, describing the situation as rapidly changing and deteriorating.
Nigeria has so far reported more than 78,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and more than 1,200 deaths, according to data from the Africa CDC.
President Buhari said his administration was working to access and administer a COVID-19 vaccine noting it was an “important obligation that we owe Nigerians.”
Namibia and Nigeria join South Africa and Tunisia among a list of African nations that are considering or have already enacted new COVID-19 restrictions.
