The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has extended the statewide lockdown, including restriction of movement and border closure to prevent the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the state by additional two weeks.
Fayemi had imposed a dusk-to-down curfew on the state and ordered complete lockdown on the state for 14 days which started from March 30, 2020 and expired April 13.
However, in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, in Ado-Ekiti, on Monday, the state government announced another 14 days of lockdown on the state.
According to the statement, the two-week extension means the lockdown on the state will now end on Monday, April 27,2020, and made wearing of face mask compulsory in public places starting from Tuesday April 14.
The Governor also directed that the restriction of movement would be suspended for eight hours, (between 6am-2pm) on Thursday, April 16 and Thursday, April 23rd, to allow the people re-stock essential goods.
Like the previous order, those on essential services and vendors of foodstuff, water and medicines and other essential goods are allowed to move with valid means of identification.
The Governor also said government would scale up its palliative measures and other support to the people and businesses in order to cushion the effect of the movement restriction.
“In consideration of available evidence on progress made to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ekiti State and in recognition of similar efforts by neighbouring states and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has directed the extension of restriction of movement and curfew in Ekiti State for two weeks, until 23:59 Monday, April 27, 2020.
“All businesses and other entities shall remain closed. Oja Oba and Oja Bisi markets shall remain closed. Except for any business or entity involved in the manufacturing, supply, or provision of an essential good or service. In facilities where essential goods are sold, all directives in respect of hygienic conditions to prevent the exposure of persons to COVID-19 must be adhered to.
“Any gathering in Ekiti State remains prohibited save for gathering in respect of a funeral, which shall be limited to 20 people.
“All boundaries of the State shall remain closed during the period of extension, except for transportation of fuel, and essential goods.
“All commuter transport services including bus services, taxi services, motorbikes (Okada) and tricycle services (Keke NAPEP), are prohibited.
“In compliance with recent findings on causes of the spread of COVID -19, wearing of facemasks in public places will be compulsory from 14th April, 2020. Government is finalizing arrangements to make facemasks available to persons on essential duties, including foodstuff sellers in markets.
“The school –on- air programme for primary and secondary school students will continue during the period. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been directed to continue to improve on the modalities for ensuring effective delivery of this programme.
“Government is making efforts to set up a COVID 19 test center in the state. This is one of the major tasks of the Covid-19 Response Resource Mobilisation Committee, recently set up by the government to mobilise funds and manage projects to prevent the spread of this pandemic.
“Government will continue to intensify on going measures specifically in response to the hardship being experienced by people across the state. Government’s strategy is made up of three parts- an intensified public health response to slow down and reduce infections; comprehensive package of economic support measures to assist businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic and a programme of increased social support to protect poor and vulnerable households.
Fayemi commended the people for their patience and understanding, adding that there is sufficient evidence to show that these measures taken so far are working.
He urged them to continue to observe all hygienic procedures recommended by health workers, including avoiding shaking hands, hugging, sitting close to each other and other forms of physical contact.
“We must continue to wash our hands regularly and thoroughly using water and soap or sanitizer. To stay safe and to keep others safe we must continue to respect whatever restrictions are placed on our movement and on our daily lives” he added.
