COVID-19: Governor Bello orders closure of all entry points

COVID-19: Governor Bello orders closure of all entry points

by Joseph Anthony
169 views
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State

Amidst growing fears of the spread of the deadly Coronavirus in different parts of the country, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, on Wednesday, rolled out stringent measures to curb its incursion into the state.

Bello in a statement issued on his behalf by Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, the state commissioner for information and communication, ordered the immediate closure of all entry points, including land and waterways, among other measures.

It warned that violators of the directives risk arrest.

The statement read: โ€œThe Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, hereby issues the following directives to guide the response of Government and citizens to the stark realities of the coronavirus outbreak.

โ€œAll entry points into Kogi State (land and waterways) are now closed. Entry and transit by any vehicle is subject to successful health check of all passengers.

โ€œTo prevent avoidable delays, which may extend to preventive quarantining, persons with any disease condition which mimics CORVID-19 symptoms, including elevated temperatures, should have a medical report from a reputable hospital/medical practitioner explaining their condition before venturing through the state.

Directive shutting all educational institutions in the state, both public and private, from Monday, March 23,  2020 remains in effect until further notice.

โ€œCivil servants on Grade Level 1-13, except those on specified essential services (medical personnel, revenue officers, law enforcement) are to remain at home and away from work till advised otherwise.

โ€œAll social, cultural and religious activities are hereby suspended and essential activities must not have a crowd beyond 5 persons. We solicit everyoneโ€™s prayers from the safety of their homes.

โ€œTricycle (keke) operators may carry only one (1) passenger at a time and must provide hand sanitizers for use by their passengers. Relevant officials are empowered to stop and enforce compliance. Defaulters will be arrested.

โ€œRegular four-wheeled taxis may carry only three (3) passengers at a time (1 in front and 2 behind) and must provide hand sanitizers for use by their passengers. Relevant officials are empowered to stop and enforce compliance. Defaulters will be arrested.

โ€œBuses may carry only two (2) passengers per row of seats, subject to a maximum of 10 passengers per trip for any type of bus. Relevant officials are empowered to stop and enforce compliance. Defaulters will be arrested.

โ€œAll public areas, pubs, bars and restaurants are limited to 5 customers at a time, seated apart in line with the social distancing guidelines. Operators and customers are advised to utilise delivery and takeaway options more during this period.

โ€œAll transport companies, transport unions and terminal operators must keep a travel manifest for inbound and outbound passengers, especially verified phone numbers. They must also provide hand-wash stands with soap in the garages and hand sanitizers in the buses. Passengers are required to cooperate by washing their hands with soap and water and sanitize them before boarding. They are to be denied boarding if they fail to comply with the hygiene procedures.

โ€œAll corporate premises and large businesses in the state must keep visitors registers as well as take the temperature checks of guests and visitors using a non-contact infra-red thermometer. Any guest with high temperature above 38 degrees Celsius must be reported immediately.

โ€œWilful breach of these guidelines, the unjustified inflation of prices of any essential commodity and the making or spreading of fake news or hate speech during this period of trial will be regarded as sabotage and punished accordingly.

โ€œCommercial motorcycle operators are to suspend their operations with effect from Thursday 26th March, 2020. Strict compliance is mandatory. With this, we will be able to ensure compliance with the social distancing procedures as well as discourage people from coming to the public space indiscriminately.โ€

You may also like

Leave a Comment

Chijos News is an independent online publication that provides readers with the latest breaking Nigerian news, world news, entertainment, sports, business, and many more.

@2024 – Chijosnews.com. All Rights Reserved.

-
00:00
00:00
Update Required Flash plugin
-
00:00
00:00