GUIDELINE ON SOCIAL DISTANCING

Guidelines require maintaining a minimum distance of two metres between individuals to reduce COVID-19 transmission in public spaces. They target all Nigerians, businesses, and event organizers to limit gatherings and ensure compliance. This helps control the spread of the virus.

What Is This Policy?

Public health guidelines prescribing physical distancing requirements between persons to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in public and private settings in Nigeria.

Who Does It Target?

All members of the Nigerian public Businesses, markets, and public transport operators Event organisers and religious bodies Employers managing workplaces during the pandemic

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Reduce COVID-19 transmission by maintaining physical separation between individuals, limiting crowd gathering, and providing sector-specific guidance for compliance.

Key Features

Minimum Distance: Requires a minimum of 2 metres (approximately 6 feet) physical distance between individuals in public spaces. Gathering Limits: Prescribes maximum numbers of persons permitted to gather at public events, religious gatherings, and business premises. Workplace Guidelines: Provides sector-specific guidance for offices, markets, public transport, and essential services to maintain distancing. Mask Wearing: Requires compulsory face mask use in all public spaces as part of the distancing regime.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Implemented during the pandemic; now serving as general public health guidance Coverage: Nationwide Beneficiaries: All Nigerians through reduced COVID-19 transmission Funding: Presidential Task Force operational budget

How to Access

Compliance is mandatory in all public and semi-public spaces Businesses must implement distancing measures before reopening Application method: Compliance is mandatory; no application required.

Important Terms

Non-compliance with distancing rules in public spaces was enforceable under COVID-19 regulations Businesses may be closed for persistent violations Distancing requirements vary by risk level and sector

Official Resources

Website: https://www.covid19.ncdc.gov.ng Contact: Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 / NCDC

Legal Framework

Issued under the authority of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pursuant to the Quarantine Act (Cap Q2 LFN 2004) and executive powers under Section 5 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Operates alongside the National Health Act 2014, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Act 2018, and the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005. Aligns with WHO guidelines on COVID-19 physical distancing measures.