Gbenro Adesina
Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has extended the restriction of movement and curfew in the state for another two weeks, saying that the extension would expire on April 23, 2019.
According to an official document signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, titled “Extension of Coronavirus Disease (Covid19): Restriction of Movement Curfew until Monday 27 April 2030”, the restriction would be suspended on Thursday 16 and Thursday 21 April, 2020, from 6am to 2pm.
The statement reads, “The Ekiti State Coronavirus Disease (Prevention of Infection) regulation, 2020 will remain in force during this extension. All existence measures to contain the spread of coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) in the state will continue to be enforced. …Only exceptions allowed are for the purposes of obtaining food, seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical service will be allowed to move around, particularly health workers, but must be duly designated with an identity card by the head of their institutions”.
The governor further ordered that all businesses and other entities including markets should remain closed except for any business or entity involved in the manufacturing, supply, or provision of an essential good or service. “In facilities of hygienic conditions to prevent the exposure of persons to Covid-19 must be adhered to”, he added.
The governor prohibited all gathering except for the purpose of funeral which must not be more than 20 people, adding that 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 face masks in public places will be compulsory from 14th April, 2020. Government is finalising arrangements to make face masks available to persons on essential duties, including foodstuff sellers in markets”, the governor noted.
Fayemi assured that government was making efforts to set up a Covid-19 test centre in the state.