Only 13 media houses will now be allowed to cover activities at the State House in Abuja.

The Presidency reduced the figure to thirteen in order to curb the spread of  coronavirus.

This restrictions, according to the presidencywill be in place “until further notice as the coronavirus incident indicates.”

The decision was in compliance with the “social distancing” rule and accommodation of not more than 50 persons at any gathering.

The 13 media houses allowed to have access to the Villa henceforth are Deutsche Welle, NTA, Channels TV, TVC, FRCN, VON, NAN, The Sun, ThisDay, Leadership, Daily Trust, The Guardian and Vanguard.

According to a statement issued by the Director of Information, State House, Mr Attah Esa, said the Presidency had scaled down the number of staff in other departments as well, noting that “over 100” correspondents gathering for work daily was not in line with the social distancing rule and overcrowding.

The restriction is with immediate effect from today.