Less than 24 hours before its expiration, Ondo State Government has extended by one week, the deadline for the compulsory use of face masks by residents, to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the state.
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, had in a press briefing on April 20, set a deadline of April 24, for the compulsory use of face masks as adopted by the six governors of the South-West region.
This is contained in a statement in Akure on Thursday by the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo.
It said that the shift in date was as a result of the apparent scarcity of the masks in desirable quantities to affect the enforcement of the directive.
The statement was titled: “COVID-19: Ondo Extends Nose Mask Deadline By One Week.”
It said: “The Government of Ondo State has extended by one week, the April 24 deadline for the compulsory use of nose masks.
Consequently, May 1, 2020 is now the commencement date of the directive jointly adopted by the Governors of the South West Region among other measures, to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The shift in the commencement date is as a result of the apparent scarcity of the masks in desirable quantities to effect the enforcement of the directive. Against this backdrop, Government has intensified efforts to produce enough within this period of grace.
Nevertheless, Government encourages residents of the State who already have theirs to continue to put on the mask for personal safety and protection.”
