Dele Moses, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has reintroduced measures to check COVID-19 spread after what appeared as the second phase of the virus hit the state.
There has been an upsurge in the cases of the virus in the state in the recent time after the situation had appeared to have been greatly checked and measures against its spread relaxed.
But, following the fresh upsurge, the government on Wednesday, December 23, announced reintroduction of some of the measures earlier employed.
The state commissioner for health, Dr Raji Razaq who made the announcement said a partial lockdown between 12am and 4:30 am has been imposed on the state.
Razaq who doubles as the state Deputy Chairman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19, said social gatherings have been restricted to maximum of 50 people while worship centres are only to host 50% of their capacity.
Highlight of the measures are as follow:
· Appropriate use of face mask in public places is mandatory
· Concerts/carnivals/Clubbing are not allowed until further notice
· Worship centres are not to allow congregations exceeding 50% of the maximum capacity of the venue. This is to allow for physical distancing
· Other gatherings (formal and informal) exceeding 50 people are disallowed
· Again, proper use of face mask in public space is mandatory. Therefore, the protocol of ‘No face mask, no entry’ must apply at all public places.
· Civil servants are to work from their homes. The only exemptions are essential workers, especially in the health sector. Virtual meetings are encouraged
· There shall be partial statewide lockdown between 12 am and 430a.m. until further notice.
· Transporters are to enforce all COVID-19 protocols, including proper use of face mask by drivers and passengers. Appropriate sanctions will apply to defaulters.
· Security agencies will deploy all lawful means to enforce these protocols
· Defaulters are deemed to constitute dangers to public health. Provisions of the Kwara State Infectious Diseases Regulations 2020 shall apply to all offenders.
· There will be further communications on school resumption
· These new guidelines take effect from Thursday December 24, 2020.
· These new guidelines are subject to reviews as situations dictate.
