As a drastic measure to check the worrisome spread of the deadly COVID-I9 infection in Ondo State, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday imposed an indefinite dusk-to-dawn curfew on the state.
Specifically the measure would be in place from 7pm to 7.am everyday.
He announced this on Tuesday at the Government House Akure, the state capital, saying the new step became imperative to prevent the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
The announcement came less than 24 hours after the state recorded the third victim of the deadly virus.
The Governor clarified that the third infected person, a medical doctor with the Military Clinic at the Army Barracks, Akure has a tendency for community transmission.
He said it was most unfortunate and quite disturbing that the new case came in contact with the index case who is an Army officer, while administering healthcare on him as a suspected case in the Clinic at the Army base.
The governor further directed the arrest and detention of individuals found to have breached government’s directives on restriction of movement of persons and goods, operation of business premises and community markets, religious gatherings and public bars and other social activities within the state.
He said: “The only exceptions are where food and medical items are sold with total compliance with social and physical distancing.
“Arrest and detention of individuals and goods being transported into Ondo State through our borders in breach of extant directive on total closure of the borders. The only exceptions allowed are for purposes of obtaining food, seeking emergency lifesaving or chronic medical attention or obtaining security pass for such journeys in accordance with our regulations.”
Akeredolu noted that government would continue to be alive to its responsibility of securing the lives of the people and providing for their welfare, just as he enjoined people of the state to comply with all precautionary measures provided to stem the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.
He added that government was fully conscious of the pains and frustrations being currently experienced as a result of the existing restrictions and limitations, especially by those whose daily survival depends on daily wage, such as menial workers, artisans and traders.
He revealed that to further alleviate their difficulties and pains, government commenced its food palliative measures which are properly domiciled in the local governments and grassroots communities, just as he emphasised that the palliative distribution has no political colouration or consideration whatsoever, but are additional economic support measures to support the poor and the vulnerable.
He solicted for sacrifices and dedicated efforts from all and sundry to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state in order to preserve lives and protect families and loved ones.
His words: “My dear people, I am addressing you today because of the frightening dimension our vulnerability as a people is assuming. It is clear from this particular case that unlike the previous two which were conveyed from outside the state, the current case is within our state with a tendency towards community transmission.
“In simple terms, we are now faced with the stark reality that Covid -19 may be transferred among families, workplaces, markets, places of worship, social gatherings and others within Ondo State, anytime without restriction and notice.
“While Government will continue to be alert to its responsibility of securing the lives of the people and providing for their welfare, it is unhelpful if simple and well-meaning guidelines provided for public good are ignored or treated with levity by citizens.
“It is particularly disheartening that in spite of the massive media publicity, policy and community advocacy as well as other response protocols put in place as precautionary guidelines against this pandemic, reports reaching me have indicated serious gaps in compliance by our people.
“While Government preaches handwashing, social and physical distancing, discontinuance of social gathering and avoidance of unnecessary movement outside the home, it is disturbing that our designated markets, some religious organisations and several other public places still thrive in total disregard of such directives. I have also been briefed of the pressures on our borders, occasioning infiltration by people and vehicles from neighbouring states. The implications of this can be better imagined.
“The point must be made again that the fight against Covid – 19 is a responsibility that will demand utmost seriousness, vigilance and attention. There is the need for effective measure of containment, investigation, enforcement and control, and government will not shy away from its duty to ensure same.”
