The Borno state coronavirus (COVID-19) response team; has suspended
the three-week lock down indefinitely, as cases of virus continue to
decline.
Announcing the suspension on Wednesday in Maiduguri, COVID-19 response
team Chairman, Umar Kadafur, who doubles as Deputy Governor,
disclosed: “There has been significant progress in the fight against
Covid-19 over the last three weeks,” adding that the stringent
COVID-19 measures have yielded desired results of surveillance,
testing and treatments of patients.
He therefore, appreciated the immense “support and cooperation”
enjoined from members of the public during the three-week lockdown.
Kadafur however; warned that where the situation escalates; the state
government should revert to the status quo.
“The use of facemasks by the public; is mandatory and enforceable by
the COVID-19 pandemic response team,” he said.
He also directed traditional; religious and community leaders and
other opinion leaders to enforce social distancing at public
gatherings and places of worship.
While lamenting non-compliance to social distancing, he said: “There
should be restriction on public gatherings, especially funeral
processions/rights, weddings, naming ceremonies to not more than 20
persons.
“All medical consultations by Pharmacies and patent medicine stores
that are related to Covid-19 or similar ailments; be referred to
government hospital,” he said; warning that as defaulters will be
prosecuted.
He reiterated that on no account government hospitals reject any
patient whether because of COVID-19 or other ailments.
This was why; he said government is studying the Federal Government’s
agreement with health unions with a view of implementing it at state
level.
On conduct of Jumat prayers, he said: “The Friday and five daily
prayers will henceforth be observed in all mosques across the state.
“These are the recommendations submitted Wednesday to State Government
by BOCU,” adding that weekly and daily are to be conducted with strict
adherence to social distancing and use of face masks.
While the Churches he added; conduct their services in strict
adherence to social distancing and wear of facemasks as recommended by
State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
According to him, the ban on sales and consumption of liquor and other
intoxicating substances is still enforced.
“Defaulters will be dealt with severely in accordance with the liquor
law,” he warned.
Continued; “All vehicles, including tricycles must also ensure the use
of face mask as defaulters be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.”
While enforcing COVID-19 order, Kadafur said: “Appropriate measures,
are being put in place to enforce restrictions at entry and exit
points across the state,” noting that drivers of vehicles transporting
essential goods and services into Maiduguri; are however; exempted,
but subjected to COVID-19 tests at all entry point.
According to him; COVID-19 response committee will continue to monitor
the situation as they unfold and appropriate action being taken
accordingly.
He added that workers on grade level 1-12 should continue to work from
home except they are directed to resume work.
On end of Ramadan congregational Eid prayers, he said: “Government has
considered the recommendation of BOCU; which clearly states that the
Eid prayers are non-obligatory,” disclosing that there should be no
congregational open field prayers; as Muslims are to remain at home
during the Id el Fitr celebration.
