COVID-19: Kwara declares partial lockdown
By Emmanuel Awosika
The Kwara State Government has declared a partial lockdown in a bid to stem the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the state.
According to the accompanying announcement, the lockdown will be effective from December 24, 2020 and will be enforced between 12:00 am and 4:30 am daily.
The State Government said that “appropriate use of face mask in public places is mandatory,” according to the Vice Chairman of the state Technical Commitee on COVID-19, Razak Raji.
He also added that: “concerts/carnivals/clubbing are not allowed until further notice. Worship centres are not to allow congregations exceeding 50 percent of the maximum capacity of the venue. This is to allow for physical distancing.
“Other gatherings (formal and informal) exceeding 50 people are disallowed. Therefore, the protocol of ‘No face mask, no entry’ must apply at all public places.”
Raji, who is also Kwara’s Health Commissioner, further said that, “Civil servants are to work from their homes. The only exemptions are essential workers, especially in the health sector. Virtual meetings are encouraged.
“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.”
However, he explained that the state government would later announce guidelines regarding school resumption while adding that the current guidelines would be reviewed depending on the situation.
