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According to the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who made the announcement in a broadcast to residents, the two weeks lockdown would start as from June 1st, 2020,

The two-day windows remained Wednesdays and Thursdays for now.

However, as from the June 1st, 2020, the relaxation windows would be extended from two days to three days.

She said the three days window took effect Monday, June 1st 2020, saying that instead of Wednesdays and Thursdays, the three days window, would start from Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The government had imposed its quarantine orders on the state for one month beginning March 26 and extended it from April 26, to May 26, 2020.

The Deputy Governor who is also the Chairperson of the COVID-19 Task Force in the state, said the period of extension, required that citizen would adhere to safety guidelines which included greater compliance in wearing of face masks, washing of hands with water and soaps and avoidance of large gathering.

She said a violation of these guidelines would now force the government to re-imposed the restriction order.

She added that the compliance of residents helps in no small way to reduce the number of infected persons and kept fatalities to a minimum.

According to Balarabe, during the additional two weeks lockdown, the prohibition of interstate and intercity travel remains, adding that government officials and mobile courts will enforce this ban to prevent people from spreading the virus through non-essential movement.

“In addition, the nighttime curfew that has been enforced across the state still remains, from 6pm to 6am,” added.

Moreover, the Deputy Governor continued that “schools, places of worship and markets will remain closed under the adjusted orders.”

The Deputy Governor said,

“After 60 days, the state government has reviewed the Quarantine Orders. The Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has approved the recommendation to extend the partial lockdown regulations for two weeks, with adjustments to permit the reopening of certain sectors.

“These measures are intended to preserve the state’s ability to protect citizens, empower citizens to lead the fight against Covid-19 and make necessary adjustments to the partial lockdown to permit the safe resumption of the pursuit of livelihoods in more sectors.

“The Kaduna State Government is conscious of the sacrifices that citizens have made and the many challenges that remain in keeping them safe from Covid-

“This is why the state government has adjusted and extended the Quarantine Orders, by two weeks to empower citizens to more steadfastly carry forward, the against fight Covid-19.

“Preservation of the relaxations in this extension requires that citizens demonstrate greater compliance with laid down health protocols, particularly the wearing of facemasks outside the house, observance of physical distancing, regular handwashing with soap and water and the avoidance of large gatherings.

“Violation of these protocols will compel the government to reimpose restrictions. A spike in Covid-19 infections will also necessitate a tightening of restrictions.

She added,

“This week, the relaxation of movement will be effected on Wednesday and Thursday.

“From Monday, 1st June 2020, the revised regulations will come into effect. They give citizens a three-day window every week to shop for food and other essentials. Until otherwise stated, the lockdown-free days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

“Temporary neighbourhood markets will continue to operate from 10am to 4pm on these three days, but citizens can move from 6am to 6pm on these lockdown-free days.

“Informal markets are not allowed and those flouting regulations by turning streets into markets are advised to stop.

“The adjusted orders also expand the ability of citizens to resume the pursuit of livelihoods, in permitted sectors subject to compliance with health and safety protocols, including physical distancing.

“Private sector firms that meet these requirements will also operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This window also allows vulcanisers, welders, mechanics and providers of similar services to operate on the same days.”