National Economic Council Releases New COVID-19 Guidelines For Businesses

The National Economic Council (NEC) has announced new guidelines for businesses operating within Nigeria. The guidelines were mandated amid rising COVID-19 cases within the country, which indicates Nigeria is experiencing a second phase of the pandemic surge.

Ending of the First Quarter, the Federal Government had issued some set of rules to curb the Coronavirus from spreading beyond control in March. NEC has now resolved to rigorous and strict enforcement in the wake of resurgence.

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According to a statement released by Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, he highlighted the following guidelines:

1. Restrict all physical gatherings and instead opt for virtual meetings, whenever possible. If physical meetings must be held, ensure there is adequate ventilation of the room, limit the number of attendees, wear face masks, maintain a physical distance of at least two metres and adhere to other public health measures.
2. Temperature checks must be carried out on all employees and customers entering office and business premises (any person with a temperature 38 degrees Celsius or above, should be denied entry and advised to go for a health check.
3. No mask, no entry, no service - all staff members, visitors and customers entering workplaces, shops, entertainment or business premises must wear a face mask that should cover the mouth and nose at all times, and should not remove them, especially if speaking to another person in close proximity.
4. All office and business premises must have a handwashing station with running water and soap or hand sanitizer at the entrance. Employers and business owners have a responsibility to ensure hand sanitizers are always refilled and soap and water always available.
5. Office, shops and business premises must be well-ventilated and cleaned regularly throughout the day, ensuring the frequently touched surfaces like desks, countertops, work stations, railings, door handles, are cleaned and disinfected. An occupational health and infectious diseases preparedness plan must be in place, in case an employee, customer or visitor becomes unwell.

While commenting on the guideline, Osinbajo said, "We urge our dear citizens to take this seriously, wear a mask and stay safe."