Details of the phased and gradual easing of the lockdown measures announced by President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday night over the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is emerging with the federal government directing officers on GL 14 and above to resume work on Monday, 4th May.
A letter to this effect issued and endorsed by Head of Service, Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, and dated 30th April, 2020 also directed all officers on essential duties to resume.
The letter, addressed to Chief of Staff to the President, disclosed that offices will open three times a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday and close at 2pm each day.
Yemi-Esan said that the concerned officers are to ensure in full compliance with the directives and advice on the COVID-19 pandemic preventive measures.
“Officers are advised to limit the number of visitors they receive to the barest minimum and such visitors should also comply with safety and health advice/directives. As you are aware, the Federal Secretariat Complexes have been decontaminated while efforts are ongoing to do same in other public offices.”
Also, a Press Statement signed by the Director of Information in the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mr Olawunmi Ogunmosunle, and titled “PARTIAL RESUMPTION OF OFFICERS ON GRADE LEVEL 14 AND ABOVE INCLUDING THOSE ON ESSENTIAL DUTIES” was more detailed.
According to the statement by Ogunmosunle, “the Head of Service (HOS) of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi -Esan has directed officers on Grade Level 14 and above including those on essential services to resume work with effect from Monday, 4th May, 2020.The directive is further to President Muhammadu Buhari’s broadcast on a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown measures occasioned by COVID-19.
“The Head of Service in her statement also issued the following directives; Offices are to open Three (3) times a week, namely Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The closing time shall be 2.00pm on each day.The concerned officers are to ensure full compliance with the directives and advice on the prevention of the COVID -19 pandemic.
“These measures include maintenance of social distancing, regular washing and /or sanitizing of hands and wearing of face masks. Officers are to limit the number of visitors they receive to the barest minimum. They should also ensure that the visitors comply with safety and health advices/ directives.
“Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers are also advised to ensure that hand washing and sanitation facilities are placed at entrances and strategic points in their MDAs. Infrared thermometers are to be provided at the entrance of the MDAs for compulsory temperature checks while as much as practicable the entrance to the MDAs is limited to only one.
“It will be noted that the Federal Secretariat Complexes have been decontaminated while efforts are ongoing to do same in other public offices.”
