Kwara rolls out new COVID-19 guidelines

To curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Kwara State, appropriate use of face masks in public places is now mandatory in the state, just as concerts, carnivals and clubbing have been banned until further notice.

These are some of the decisions taken yesterday by the state’s committee on COVID-19.

At the press conference addressed in Ilorin, the deputy Chairman of the committee and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Raji Rasaq, told worship centres to cut down each congregation by 50 per cent. He said the development was to allow for physical distancing.

According to Rasaq, other gatherings (formal and informal) in the state exceeding 50 people are also disallowed.

“Again, proper use of face mask in the public space is mandatory. Therefore, the protocol of ‘no face mask, no entry’ must apply at all public places.

“Civil servants are to work from their homes. The only exemptions are essential workers, especially in the health sector. Virtual meetings are encouraged.”

He noted that the midnight to 4.30a.m. curfew in the state would remain until further notice.

“Transporters are to enforce all COVID-19 protocols, including proper use of face masks by drivers and passengers. Appropriate sanctions will apply to defaulters,” he added.

While harping on the existing synergy between the committee and security agencies, the commissioner disclosed that the latter would be deployed to enforce all the outlined protocols.