States take tough measures
The Edo State government yesterday recorded one case of COVID-19, just as Governor Godwin Obaseki banned gatherings exceeding 50 persons.
Briefing journalists yesterday in Benin, the governor said they have developed action plan to cope with the pandemic.
“In order to give effect to our social distancing policy, gatherings of more than 50 is prohibited in Edo State till further notice,” he said.
According to him, all public servants below grade level 12, with the exception of those providing essential services should work from home till further notice. In Ebonyi, Governor David Umahi has banned all forms of public gatherings including weddings and burials in the state so as to curb spread of the dreaded coronavirus. The governor also directed civil servants in the state to work from home beginning from tomorrow with the exception of those on essential duties. Umahi however warned traditional rulers and council chairmen against shielding any person suspected to have contacted the deadly virus.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State has also directed civil servants on level 12 and below to remain at home for the next 30 days except for those providing essential services.
El-Rufai, who expressed disappointment at what he described as “the shocking level of complacency by residents who ignored the restriction directives issued last week,” also said markets, which constitute a source of large gatherings will be locked down except for traders selling food and medicines who were permitted to open their shops.
Governor el-Rufai further stressed that the state government will not hesitate to impose a state wide curfew, should that become the only means to enforce compliance and make everyone understand the collective danger faced.
In Niger State, Governor
Abubakar Sani Bello yesterday announced a daily curfew between 8am and 8pm till further notice.
The governor made the announcement in a broadcast to the state, during which he also directed state civil servants on grade level 1 to 12 to remain at home, except those on essential duties. The Kogi State government also yesterday directed civil servants to work from home.
The work-from-home order, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, only affects civil servants on grade level 1-13, while those on grade level 14 and above are to report to their offices. It however noted that those on essential services were to continue to report at their work places. In Rivers, Governor Nyesom Wike yesterday directed all public parks, night clubs and cinemas to remain closed till further notice. Wike, in a state broadcast, also directed religious groups to temporarily stop all forms of open worship.
Governor Wike equally directed local government council chairmen to ensure that public burials and weddings do not take place in their respective areas. Kano State government also yesterday announced the suspension of official engagements. It also asked the Ministry of Tourism and Culture to liaise with owners of event centres in the state to suspend all activities till further notice.
In a state-wide broadcast yesterday, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said all official events that attract people gathering together have been suspended. Ganduje added that people should try and avoid gathering of more than 20.
The Head of Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus in Benue State, Dr. Sunday Ongbabo, yesterday warned residents in the state to limit their travels as the country continues to battle the spread of the disease.