{JUST IN} COVID-19 : Kwara declares partial lockdown

Kwara state government on Wednesday declared another lockdown in the state from 12 midnight to 4 am with effect from Thursday, December 24, 2020.

According to the state Technical Committee on COVID-19, the lockdown was contained in the new guidelines on COVID-19 it issued on Wednesday.

Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Raji Rasaq who is also the vice-chairman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19 said, “There shall be partial statewide lockdown between 12 am and 430a.m. until further notice.

“These new guidelines take effect from Thursday, December 24, 2020.”

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He said other measures announced by the committee included, “Appropriate use of face mask in public places is mandatory. Concerts/carnivals/Clubbing are not allowed until further notice.

“Worship centres are not to allow congregations exceeding 50% of the maximum capacity of the venue. This is to allow for physical distancing.

“Other gatherings (formal and informal) exceeding 50 people are disallowed. Again, proper use of face masks in public spaces 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.

“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 said.

The commissioner further stated that Security agencies would deploy all lawful means to enforce these protocols, adding that defaulters are deemed to constitute dangers to public health.

Dr. Raji noted that , “Provisions of the Kwara State Infectious Diseases Regulations 2020 shall apply to all offenders.

“There will be further communications on school resumption.

The Health Commissioner added that “These new guidelines are subject to reviews as situations dictate.”