By Elo Edremoda, Warri
Activities in public places such as offices and markets within Delta state are to resume by Thursday, April 30, with the compulsory use of facemasks, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has announced.
In a state-wide broadcast at the end of the 28 days COVID-19 lockdown, Tuesday, Okowa revealed that the distribution of a million cloth facemasks to residents across the state will commence on Wednesday.
According to him, security agents are to enforce the wearing of facemasks in public spaces, as well as take necessary sanctions on defaulters.
Recall that the state government in a bid to combat the spread of the novel disease, on Sunday, March 29, closed all entry points into and out of Delta State and on Wednesday, April 1, closed offices, public spaces and banned public movement/gatherings within the State except for those on essential/emergency supplies.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), within the period, reported six cases, five active and one death, of COVID-19 in the state.
Expressing hope that the stay-at-home order helped to “limit the spread of the virus” in the state, the governor reassured that the health facilities are adequate and ready to treat patients who may contract the virus.
He explained that gradually easing the lockdown restrictions will sustain the gains of the past four weeks, which was also plagued with economic hardship for daily earners.
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“As we gradually relax the restriction of movement, I must caution that it is not yet uhuru; life as we have known it, is still a long way off. We must therefore brace ourselves up to adjust to the new normal in all our personal, official and business dealings going forward.
“In view of the foregoing, it has become necessary to partially lift the ban on movements within the State effective Thursday, 30 April 2020. This is to enable our people engage in economic/business activities between the hours of 6am and 7pm. Security agencies will be on hand to ensure strict compliance with the time frame.
“While burials and weddings will be allowed, the social distancing rule (6ft apart) must be applied, and the number of guests/persons must not exceed 50.
“Henceforth, it is mandatory for all residents in the state to make use of facemasks in the public. They must be worn in public places including offices, markets, malls, supermarkets, salons, hospitals and health clinics, churches, mosques, as well as all approved gatherings of persons,” the governor stated.
Okowa, however, stated that there will be exceptions on schools, cinemas, bars, nightclubs, conferences, sporting activities, gathering of people in convention/event centres, sport fields, public/open spaces, as well as recreational and cultural/communal activities until May 31, but restaurants, canteens, beer parlours are to operate on take-away basis.
While hotels are to operate (with in-room dining), their restaurants, bars and night clubs will not be available to customers.
As for transport services, a reduced number of persons will now board vehicles, including tricycles and buses.
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