TheCable

The federal government has extended the directive issued to civil servants on grade level 12 and below to keep working from home till the end of March.

In a previous circular dated January 26, civil servants were directed to work from home till the end of February.

However, in another circular dated March 3, and addressed to the offices of the chief of staff to the president, clerk of the national assembly, permanent secretaries, among others, Folasade Yemi-Esan, head of civil service, said the decision is to help sustain the downward trend of coronavirus infections.

“Further to the Circular No: HCSF/3065/Vol.l/68 dated 26th January, 2021, and following the advice of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, all officers on SCL 12 and below are to continue working from home till end of March, 2021,” the document reads.

“While it is acknowledged that there has been a reduction in the number of reported cases of COVID-19, it is important that this downward trend be maintained. It is to this end, that the work-from-home directive has to continue as specified above.

“It is also important to emphasise the need to ensure strict compliance with the existing guidelines on the prevention and spread of COVID-19.

“Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers are enjoined to bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all concerned and ensure strict compliance.”

Nigeria has experienced a significant drop in the daily count of new infections over the past few weeks, with less than 1,000 cases recorded daily since February 16.

Meanwhile, as of March 3, Nigeria has recorded 156,963 confirmed cases, including 135,831 recoveries and 1,939 deaths.