The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 on Monday extended the ban on inter-state travels of non-essential services till June 26.

Also, based on the report it summited to President Muhammadu Buhari over the weekend, the President has ordered the lifting of the ban on religious gatherings across the country.

Henceforth, all religious gatherings will be based on the guidelines given by the various state governments.

In the light of the second phase of easing of the lockdown, Sani Aliyu, National Coordinator of the PTF has directed all financial institutions to resume full operations in their respective branches nationwide from Tuesday, June 2.

However, while the country is still witnessing increasing cases of COVID-19 daily, he urges members of the public to stick to the guidelines issued by the PTF and the relevant health agencies which include wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands, restriction of public gatherings, etc.

Also, the coordinator hinted that resumption of operations in the aviation sector may likely commence June 21 after due consultations with stakeholders in the sector on the safety guidelines that will be reached.

The total number of cases of COVID-19 in the country has exceeded the 10,000 mark and over 40,000 tests has so far been conducted in the 29 testing centres across the country.

Kristina Reports has learnt that Kogi State on Monday recorded its index case of COVID-19 and the Governor, Yahaya Bello has ordered a total lockdown of Kaba-Bunu Local Government Area where the index case was recorded.