Kogi Gov Orders Closure of All Entry Points
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State yesterday rolled out stringent measures to curb the incursion of COVID-19 into the state.
Bello in a statement issued on his behalf by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, 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: “The 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.
“All 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.
“To 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.
“Civil 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.
“All social, cultural and religious activities are hereby suspended and essential activities must not have a crowd beyond 5 persons. We solicit everyone’s prayers from the safety of their homes.
“Tricycle (keke) operators may carry only one 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.
“Regular four-wheeled taxis may carry only three passengers at a time (one in front and two behind) and must provide hand sanitisers for use by their passengers. Relevant officials are empowered to stop and enforce compliance. Defaulters will be arrested.
“Buses may carry only two 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.
“All public areas, pubs, bars and restaurants are limited to five 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.