The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has barred staff with heath challenges from its offices nationwide when activities resumed next week.
It also told nursing mothers and pregnant women to stay away pending further directives.
The Commission is however yet to decide when activities for the Edo and Ondo governorship elections would resume.
INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye said the commission would liaise with the security agencies and health authorities before taking the decision.
Okoye stated that the Commission would resume engagement with political parties, Civil Society Organizations, the media and other stakeholders in relation to the Edo and Ondo governorship elections.
“The modalities for these engagements will be worked out and considered at its next meeting on May 14, 2020,” he added.
According to him, the modalities for the activities in the two states where governorship elections will hold would be worked out after consultations with security agencies and health authorities.
Among other decisions reached at the meeting, Okoye disclosed, include “to carry out comprehensive decontamination of (INEC) national headquarters, annex at Blantyre Street, the Electoral Institute and its Area 10 office housing its staff clinic.
“To follow the Federal Government guidelines on resumption protocols and procedure by providing infrared thermometers, soap and water at entrances and installing hand sanitizer dispensers at strategic points in the commission.
“To train its staff, particularly the cleaners and office assistants on cleaning protocols and strict compliance with Federal Government guidelines as well as its own specific protocols for resumption.
“To issue comprehensive guidelines for the first phase of its resumption in compliance with the directives of the Federal Government and health authorities.”
He assures that these guidelines would be posted on INEC notice boards and uploaded on the website of on Monday.
The Commission directed its directors and other designated Staff of the various departments to resume at its national headquarters on May 13 after the decontamination of the premises and provision of necessary amenities.
“Only staff below 58 years of age with no serious underlying health issues will resume, while pregnant women, nursing mothers and all other staff with underlying health conditions should remain at home for the time being,” Okoye advised.
