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Tag: Lockdown

  • Lockdown violation: Police storm birthday party, arrest 65 guests in Lagos

    Lockdown violation: Police storm birthday party, arrest 65 guests in Lagos

    The Police on Wednesday arrested 65 guest at a birthday party in Lagos.

    Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from Area G Command and Oko Oba Division stormed the venue, 84 Park Hotel, Augusto Close, Oko Oba, in Lagos State..

    The suspects were arrested for holding a birthday party amid the COVID-19 lockdown and consuming some substances suspected to be hard/illicit drugs.

    Police spokesman, Bala Elkana, in a statement, disclosed some were found in the swimming pool catching fun, in total neglect of the social distancing regulations and the lockdown order.

    The suspects who are within the ages of 16 to 45 years, confessed to have left their various homes to the hotel in defiance to the sit at home order.

    “The Manager of the hotel is equally arrested and the hotel is sealed off by the relevant agency of the State Government. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to Court.

    “The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, calls on residents to continue to be law abiding,” the statement added.

  • COVID-19: Lagos begins ”controlled easing” of lockdown, says schools, religious centres remain closed

    COVID-19: Lagos begins ”controlled easing” of lockdown, says schools, religious centres remain closed

    The Lagos State Government says schools and religious centres will remain closed as it begins a ”Controlled Easing Phase” of COVID-19 lockdown on May 4.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu said this on Wednesday at the Lagos House, Marina, while addressing newsmen on the update of the management of COVID-19 in the state.

    Sanwo-Olu said that all open markets and stores would be allowed to open daily from 9a.m. till 3p.m. on selected days.

    He said that everyone attending these markets and stores would be mandated to observe precautionary measures of social distancing and very high level of personal and hand hygiene.

    According to him, malls will be allowed to open with the proviso that stores in the malls maintain a 60 per cent occupancy capacity within the stores; while also ensuring that a 2-meter social distancing is maintained between every person and the next in the store.

    He added that hand sanitisers and/or wash basins must be provided at all entry points, and temperature checks must be carried out.

    The governor said that eateries and restaurants would be allowed to open daily between 9a.m. and 3p.m., but only take-out and delivery services would be permitted, as in-dining services were not allowed.

    He said that all food handlers and staff of eateries were expected to have gone through exhaustive health checks and must also practise high levels of personal and hand hygiene in serving members of the public.

    Sanwo-Olu said that food handlers were also mandated to wear masks and hand gloves at all times; particularly during the preparation and serving of the food.

    He said that hand sanitisers and/or wash basins must be provided at all entry points, and temperature checks must be carried out periodically throughout the period they were open for business.

    According to him, all medical establishments will continue to open, and maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 and all suspected cases of COVID-19 must be immediately reported to the State Helpline: 08000-267662.

    ”All schools and institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels remain physically closed. Students are expected to continue learning on the alternative online and media channels announced by the various institutions of learning.

    ”All places of worship (both formal and informal) are to remain closed from any form of congregational services or assemblage, until further notice.

    ”Our Muslim brothers and sisters taking part in the Ramadan fast must observe all meals and prayers within their homes.

    ”In line with the pronouncement of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), no gatherings are allowed for Iftar, Suhur, and Tarawih; and the conduct of Tafsir is also suspended.

    ”Since the process of ablution involves touching the face, it is essential to ensure that the hands are clean. Ablution should, therefore, be preceded by the washing of hands with soap,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu added that the capacity of public transportation system to reduce the risk of contagion would also be strengthened by a number of proactive measures to be taken.

    He said that all commuters were mandated to wear face masks at all times, sanitise with alcohol-based sanitiser or wash their hands with soap and running water before and after every trip.

    According to him, all transport operators/companies are expected to sanitise their vehicles, parks and garages regularly and continuously at least before and after every trip.

    He added that they were expected to have at the entrance of the respective parks hand washing equipment with running water; and deploy temperature readers to test every passenger before boarding.

    ”All operators are expected to have alcohol-based sanitisers in their vehicles for drivers, conductors and passengers.

    ”All motor parks and garages must avoid overcrowding. Social distancing is required for passengers queuing up to board buses.

    ”All buses should be loaded to a maximum of 60 per cent of full capacity. This means that if a bus normally takes 10 people at full capacity, during this period, no more than 6 persons can be allowed to board at any point in time.

    ”No standing allowed in all BRT and LBSL bus operations. All air- conditioning systems in public transport systems must be switched off.

    ”All Operators, i.e. drivers and conductors, are mandated to always wear face masks and hand gloves while in transit and dispose of same appropriately.

    ”All of these guidelines as outlined – face masks, regular disinfection, hand-washing equipment, temperature checks, and 60 per cent maximum capacity – shall equally apply to Water Transport Operations.

    ”In addition, from May 4, 2020, Water Transport Operations will be restricted to the period between 6a.m. and 6p.m. daily, until further notice,” he said.

    Sanwo-Olu said that commercial motoyrcycles, popularly known as Okadas, were to suspend their operations statewide, except for those motorcycles used for courier and logistics purposes.

    He said that tricycles (Kekes) operating in unrestricted areas, must not carry more than two passengers per trip and must ensure appropriate social distancing was maintained between passengers.

    The governor said that all activities within the entertainment industry, including beer parlours, hotels, casino, among others, would also remain closed until further notice.

    He said that swimming pools, gyms, barber shops, spas, beauty salons, and all public parks, including those in private and residential estates, would continue to remain closed for another two weeks in the instance.

    According to him, the government will review and advise on the permissible opening date for these establishments.

    He called on residents associations to enjoin their members, as well as operators of businesses within their association to adhere to these directives.

  • COVID-19: Reopening of Nigeria will take 6 weeks; next phase of lockdown will be stricter – Boss Mustapha

    COVID-19: Reopening of Nigeria will take 6 weeks; next phase of lockdown will be stricter – Boss Mustapha

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, while stressing that the gradual reopening of Nigeria’s economy will span a total of six weeks, has said the next phase of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown will be stricter.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Boss Mustapha, who made this known on Wednesday during the daily press briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, said the six weeks gradual reopening of the economy would be broken into three tranches of two weeks each.

    “In line with Mr President’s directive in paragraph 34 to 41 of his broadcast, the presidential task force has developed sector-specific guidelines. The gradual reopening of the economy will span a total of six weeks, broken into three tranches of two weeks each.

    “The first strategy is designed to reduce the pains of socio-economic disruptions while strengthening our public health response, which would ultimately reduce the recovery of our current economy and provide succour to the poor and vulnerable.

    “To underscore the collaborative efforts with subnational levels of government, they are encouraged to provide leadership in engaging relevant associations responsible for various sectors, e.g., market associations and transport unions, for orderly and effective implementation.

    “Similarly, I want to emphasize the need for security agencies to strictly enforce these new measures that have been put in place.

    “Following the pronouncement of the President, it has become necessary for me to provide initial clarifications for Nigerians on some of the new measures such as the overnight curfew, inter-State travel and related matters. For the avoidance of doubt, the following clarifications are provided: the overnight curfew is applicable nationwide, inter-State travels are banned, except for the movement of goods, agro-products, petroleum products, essential services, etc, such as directed by Mr President,” Boss Mustapha said.

    The SGF further said the technical team of public health experts sent by the PTF to Kano has commenced evaluation of the situation in the State, stressing that fifty trucks of assorted grains have been sent to Kano and that the grains were due for delivery within the next 48 hours.

    “In furtherance of tackling the situation in Kano, the technical team of public health experts sent by the PTF has begun the evaluation of the situation in the State, working in collaboration with the State’s Team. I am pleased to also inform you that the operationalization of the laboratories in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital and Bayero University Kano, will considerably improve our response to the pandemic in Kano State.

    “Additionally, fifty trucks of assorted grains have been sent to Kano and due for delivery within the next 48 hours. The PTF appreciates the cooperation of the Governor and the medical team in Kano State,” he said.

    Meanwhile, paragraph 34 to 41 of President Buhari’s address during the 3rd COVID-19 nationwide broadcast reads: “34. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health. 35. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centres. 36. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

    “37. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May 2020. 38. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

    “39. Furthermore, new nationwide measures are to be introduced as follows; a. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except for essential services; b. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice; c. Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and d. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gatherings shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

    “40. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos and Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020. 41. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector-specific details to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions”.

  • Lockdown: I hope Nigeria recovers from the economic damages-Emma Nyra

    Lockdown: I hope Nigeria recovers from the economic damages-Emma Nyra

    Soulful singer, Emma Nyra has expressed her thoughts on the ongoing COVID-19 lockdown directive in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States .

    TheNewsGuru recalls that President Buhari on Monday extended the lockdown he ordered for another one week.

    He said: “In line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020.

    “However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors”.

    Reacting to the extension, Emma Nyra who recently welcomed twins said the lockdown has affected the livelihood of Nigerians, adding that a continuation will crush them.

    Nyra made this known in an Instagram Live chat with media personality, Theo Olele.

    “You cannot tell someone to stay at home when they don’t have access to food.I think because of how bad it affects people especially the people who sell their produce fresh, continuing a lockdown will completely crush them.

    “For me, as long as people are observing social distancing, nothing wrong in easing the lockdown. Who is going to help such people when everything collapses? If the people become desperate, it could result into so much more problem.I hope Nigeria recovers from the economic damage of the lockdown”.

     

     

     

     

  • Police arrest religious leaders, beer parlour operators, others for violating lockdown order

    The Police Command in Kaduna has arrested 986 suspects for violating the lockdown order imposed by the state government to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

    The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Umar Muri, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Kaduna on Wednesday.

    He said that 48 of those arrested were mostly religious leaders and beer parlour operators.

    According to the commissioner of police, some of the suspects have been prosecuted while the others will be arraigned before the court subsequently.

    The CP also said that the command, in collaboration with the force headquarters in Abuja, had on Feb. 5, launched a well-coordinated operation code-named “Taking the battle to the bandits’ camps”.

    “In the joint operation, we identified several notorious bandits’ camps around the Birnin Gwari and Giwa axis and destroyed them.

    “However, the gallant determination of our personnel yielded successes.

    “We apprehended 91 suspects for various crimes which include banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, culpable homicide, rape, shop breaking, theft, and other mundane crimes.

    “The recoveries we made during investigations include, 15 AK47 rifles, ten pistols, ten locally made guns, one pump action rifle, one locally made revolver, and one G3 rifle.

    “We also recovered 1,575 live ammunition, 28 live cartridges, 21 rounds of G3 ammunition, 20 motor vehicles of different models and descriptions, nine motorcycles of different models and three tricycles.

    `Other items recovered are, 246 rustled cows, 60 sheep, 20 bags of rice, six bags of beans, 71 cutlasses, knives, swords, scissors, 12 mobile cellphones and one anti-tracking device.

    “We also recovered 10 television sets, 16 laptops and iPads, 14 Italian handbags, two iron rods and eight bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp,” he said.

    The CP further said that diligent investigation into the various allegations were ongoing.

    According to him, some of the suspects have confessed to their crimes and will be prosecuted accordingly.

    “The major yardstick to measure a command’s achievement is through the number of convictions it secures.

    “We have been able to secure 38 convictions on various criminal allegations within the period under review,” he added.

    He urged the people of Kaduna to continue to support the command with timely and useful information that would aid the battle against criminal elements in the state.

    “Report suspicious persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s designated emergency response numbers,” Muri said.

  • Oyo PDP commends Buhari for relaxing lockdown

    Oyo PDP commends Buhari for relaxing lockdown

    The Oyo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended some of President Muhammadu Buhari’s decisions with regard to his initial total lockdown of Lagos, Ogun states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Akeem Olatunji, said Buhari’s decision to relax some earlier restrictions was laudable because they had adversely affected Nigerians.

    Olatunji, an engineer, said the new approach is a testimony to the supremacy of Governor Seyi Makinde in combating the pandemic logically and scientifically, which is a good template worthy of emulation.

    The party noted with derision how opposition parties in the state, particularly the All Progressives Congress (APC), had attempted to discredit Makinde’s giant strides in keeping the state safe from a larger outbreak of the disease within the ambient of very limited resources, while allowing commerce to thrive during partial lockdown in Oyo State.

    The PDP described APC in Oyo State as a group of people living in fantasy, noting that Governor Makinde was an epitome of sound and qualitative leadership, who had been working to restore the human dignity and dignity of labour among the people.

    Olatunji stressed that the only option left for APC in Oyo State was to seek the forgiveness of the people it allegedly plunged into untold hardship during its eight years governance.

    According to PDP, “it doesn’t take any rocket science for any leader with good conscience to know that total lockdown of any state or country, including crippling an already struggling economy like that of Nigeria without the capacity or political will to make proper provisions for alternative means of livelihood, will be counterproductive.” It stressed that Makinde was daily showing APC government at all levels how to achieve good governance.

    The APC in Oyo had urged the governor to lock down the state for two weeks to enable it identify those that might have been infected, thereby restricting the spread of the virus.

    But Makinde only imposed a 7pm to 6am curfew, while encouraging residents to observe measures that help contain the virus.

    He also shut schools and some markets.

     

  • Lockdown relaxation: Presidency clears air on reopening of schools nationwide

    The Presidency has made clarifications on school resumption following the gradual relaxation of the lockdown.

    President Buhari had ordered a gradual relaxation of the lockdown starting from Monday next week but was silent on the reopening of schools.

    However, Buhari’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina while featuring on TVC, said schools may re-open for those about to take exams.

    Adesina said candidates about to take West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and other examinations may be allowed to go back to school.

    “If you look at Germany, they gradually reduced their lockdown by opening the schools for those who have exams.

    “Same may apply here as those who are to write WAEC and take examinations may be allowed to resume to take their exams.

    “The Presidential Task Force will be the ones to decide on when to re-open,” Adesina said on Tuesday.

  • COVID-19: Doctors speak on implications of easing lockdown

    COVID-19: Doctors speak on implications of easing lockdown

    Doctors, under the aegis of the Medical Guild, have warned against easing the lockdown, saying it will lead to more exposures and surge in COVID-19 pandemic infection.

    The Medical Guild comprises of doctors under the employment of Lagos State Government.

    The Guild Chairman, Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos, said the objective of the lockdown has yet to be fully maximised.

    Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari had on April 27 announced that there would be a “gradual easing” of COVID-19 lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, starting from May 4.

    Buhari said that the moves was to ensure the economy function, while still maintaining the aggressive response against COVID-19.

    Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, had been placed on lockdown since March 30, as a containment measures against the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

    Sodipo, however, called for an extension of the lockdown to allow quick maximisation of testing capacity

    According to him, if the lockdown is lifted at this stage of community transmission, there will be more problem.

    He maintained that the objective of the lockdown, which was to prevent community transmission and scale up testing capacity to break the chain of transmission, was unfortunately hindered due to challenges of testing capacity.

    “Our position, as health workers, is that if we have not achieved the aim of the lockdown, there is no need to lift the lockdown prematurely.

    “We are going to have a chaotic situation, because we would have a lot of asymptomatic people mixing with others.

    “By the time that they would be detected or start showing symptoms, the system might not be able to cope with the numbers of people that needs to be admitted at the hospitals,” he said.

    According to him, with testing capacity yet to be perfected, the country may have a surge of cross infection at hospitals with various patients coming for treatment.

    “The present case definition of COVID-19 does not apply again, because we are in the stage of community transmission.

    “As healthcare professionals, we are concerned that there would be more exposures to COVID-19 infection, because everyone is a suspect now.

    “Once you have more health workers getting infected by COVID-19, you are exposing so many other people; their families and other patients they are treating,” he said.

    Sodipo said that with the Lagos State Government implementing free healthcare services for the public, there would be more patients trooping to hospitals to partake in the service.

    He, however, commended the government for implementing social distancing and compulsory wearing of face masks in the public.

    Sodipo added that plans should also be made for increased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at various hospitals to enhance facilities with the capacity to cope with potential COVID-19 patients.

    He urged governments to analyse and evolve more preventive measures and strategies that would protect citizen’s health before the lockdown was eased or lifted.

  • COVID-19: Gov Okowa partially reopens Delta, gives conditions for religious activities, market, marriage, burial, transportation, entertainment [FULL SPEECH]

    COVID-19: Gov Okowa partially reopens Delta, gives conditions for religious activities, market, marriage, burial, transportation, entertainment [FULL SPEECH]

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday partially lifted the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown in the State to enable Deltans and residents engage in economic and business activities between the hours of 6 am and 7 pm.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Okowa announced the partial lifting of ban on movement within the State during a statewide broadcast, warning that security agencies have been advised to ensure strict compliance with the conditions that have been put in place, stressing violators that would be prosecuted without fear or favour.

    In his address, the Governor stressed that the lockdown helped to demean the spread of the virus in our State and that care must be taken to ease the lockdown restrictions in a gradual, systematic and orderly manner so that the gains of the past four weeks are not wiped out.

    Governor Okowa’s address reads: “My dear Deltans, I begin this broadcast by first thanking all of you for your understanding in this very challenging period in human history. Except for some minor incidences here and there, you stay on with the lockdown. It speaks of your trust and confidence in the integrity of the structures and processes we have put in place to combat the Coronavirus pandemic. We are indeed very grateful for your support and partnership. The security agencies deserve our commendation for their sacrifice, patience and professional conduct.

    “You will recall that on March 29th 2020, we closed down entry points into and out of Delta State as a proactive step to keep the Coronavirus pandemic at bay. Three days later, on April 1st 2020, we closed all offices, public places and banned all public movements and gatherings in the State, except for essential and emergency supplies to enable us to reduce the risk of transmission.

    “These proclamations were made in exercise of the power conferred on me by the Delta State Public Health Law, the Quarantine Act as well as the Infectious Disease Emergency Prevention Regulation 2020.

    “We have every reason to believe that the lockdown has helped to demean the spread of the virus in our State. As at today, 6 cases of COVID-19 have been incidented; 5 of the patients are doing well in our case management centre. And I am informed that two of them who have had two negative tests would be discharged this morning. Sadly, we lost of them who presented himself late to the medical authorities. His test result, which turns out to be positive, was received after his death.

    “The period of the lockdown, while enabling us to break the chain of transmission, also gave us the leverage to easily trace, identify, isolate and test contacts of infected persons. As at today, we have a low virus spread in the State, and our health system can be said to be in a state of readiness, with the health staff fully committed and motivated to discharge their responsibilities in a professional, ethical and safe manner.

    “As we begin to ease the lockdown restrictions, the sensible approach is to do it in a gradual, systematic and orderly manner so that we do not wipe out the gains of the past four weeks. We are very mindful of the fact that each day of the lockdown was tough economically, and particularly agonizing for those in the informal sector who live on daily income.

    “To mitigate the harsh economic effects of the lockdown, the State Government distributed food items all 270 wards in the State, coordinated by a cross-section of leaders at the local government areas and ward levels. We are currently also expecting some food items from the federal government; just recently the federal government sent us three trailers of 50 kg rice, and from CACOVID, the group of businessmen, who we are expecting serious food items from. These would be distributed to the poor and vulnerable across the 270 wards when they arrive.

    “At this juncture, I want to thank all those who donated generously to our COVID-19 relief fund, and I have directed that the SSG should publish their names because a lot of Deltans and a few non-Deltans actually did responded, of which, we are grateful.

    “As we gradually relax the restriction of movement, I must caution that it is not yet uhuru. Life as we have known it is still a long way up. We must, therefore, brace ourselves to adjust to the new normal in all our personal, official and business dealings, going forward.

    “As an administration, we remain irrefutably committed to doing everything necessary to protect the lives and properties of citizens in the State in addition to providing a safe and secure environment for them to pursue their dreams of success and happiness.

    “In view of the foregoing, it has become necessary to partially lift the ban on movement within the State effective Thursday 30th of April 2020. This is to enable our people engage in economic and business activities between the hours of 6 am and 7 pm. The security agencies would be on ground to ensure strict compliance in the timeframe. That means that there will be an all night curfew and I believe that those of you that listened to Mr President would also have heard that.

    “However, as we lift the ban on economic activities and business activities in the course of the day, there are some exceptions. Conferences, sporting activities, gathering of people in convention and event centres, sports, feasts, public and open spaces as well as recreational and cultural sub communal activities remain banned until we review it on the 31st of May 2020.

    “While burials and weddings would be allowed, the social distancing rule, which is 6 feet apart, must be applied and the number of guests and persons must not exceed 50.

    “Our schools, both public and private remain closed until reviewed on the 31st of May 2020.

    “Entertainment centres, including cinemas, bars and night clubs remain close until further notice. Restaurants are to operate on takeaway basis only. While hotels would be allowed to open with in-room dining only, therefore, their restaurants, bars and night clubs remained closed until further notice.

    “While transport services, the keke, the taxis and buses are allowed to operate, maximum number of passengers shall be as follows: 2 persons at the back for the keke; 1 person at the front seat and 2 persons at the back for a taxi, that is a maximum of 3 persons; and 10 to a maximum of 12 persons for a 16 and 18 seater bus, that means you cannot have more than 2 people sit on a row that was initially meant for 3 persons. Our airports remain closed to passengers travelling till further notice. I have already directed the SSG to meet with the unions of the taxis and the keke to be able to ensure that they are properly briefed on the new norm. A regulation has been signed this morning to that effect and all those who break the rule will be tried and fined in the appropriate court.

    “I shall be meeting with our religious leaders on Thursday to chart the way forward for our places of worship. However, all crusades and conventions remain banned until further notice.

    “For the public service, only workers on Grade Level 12 and above should resume work effectively Thursday 30th April 2020. This order does not apply to junior staff on essential service and emergency duties. Workers with co-morbidity can work from home. That is, those who have illnesses that would make them prone to down if they get infected with COVID-19.

    “However, workplace protocols should be put in place for disease surveillance, prevention, including screening and using of face mask and social distancing. This applies to both the public and the private sector.

    “Let me reiterate that security agencies have been advised to ensure strict compliance with our above directives. Violators would be prosecuted without fear or favour.

    “Henceforth, it is mandatory for all residence in the State make use of face mask in the public. Anybody leaving his/her home must wear a face mask effective Thursday 30th April 2020 till further notice. They must be worn in public places, including offices, markets, malls, super markets, saloons, hospitals, health clinics, churches and mosques when they are allowed to open as well as all approved gathering of persons.

    “Traders and market women are all required to wear face mask while carrying out all their businesses.

    “The local government chairmen are hereby directed to work out the modalities for the operation of the markets in their domains, especially with regard to social distancing and other sanitation protocols.

    “Hair dressing and barbing saloons must never be crowded. Owners are hereby directed to restrict the number of persons inside to a minimum number to observe social distancing. As much as possible, workers in these establishments should wear hand gloves.

    “The State Government will commence today the distribution of a million cloth face mask that was produced by the State to residents in the State, using the local government committee chaired by the local government chairmen as channels of distribution.

    “Meanwhile, those who can afford it are also advised to make their own procurement. The benefit of the cloth face mask is that it can be washed with soap and water and reused.

    “There would be a continuation of the inter-State lockdown for another two weeks as pronounced by Mr President; only essential supplies, food, beverages, medical, pharmaceutical, petroleum and agricultural products that are exempted from this order.

    “As we engage our new normal, I assure all Deltans and residents that we shall continue to put processes in place to demean the transmission of the virus by ensuring rapid identification of cases and contacts, more testing, isolation and quarantine as necessary. We shall continue with staff training and motivation and provision of logistics and supplies for our health staff.

    “Finally, I wish to appeal to us to please stay indoors as much as possible and only go out when it is necessary. We need not travel nor visit persons for whatever conversations, business or actions that can be concluded on the phone or by using other electronic medium.

    “Please, wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitizers as an alternative if there is no soap and water immediately available. It is very important that you do not touch your mouth, your eyes and your nose with unwashed hands.

    “If you fall sick with fever, cough and/or breathlessness, please, do not panic. Call the local government council chairman, the councilor of your ward, the executive secretary of the local health authority, and the disease surveillance and notification officer in your local government area.

    “You can also call the emergency operations centre on these numbers: 08031230480, 08031230481, and 08031230529.

    “Pray always and endeavour to use this time to strengthen your family bonds. Together and with God on our side, we shall overcome. Thank you and God bless you all”.

  • Pope urges obedience of rules during exit from coronavirus lockdowns

    Pope urges obedience of rules during exit from coronavirus lockdowns

    Pope Francis on Tuesday urged people to obey rules aimed at preventing a devastating second wave of infections as their leaders begin to ease coronavirus lockdowns.

    Francis spoke at the start of his daily private morning Mass, where he has been dedicating brief opening comments to various themes related to coronavirus.

    From Europe to the U.S. to Asia, officials have been dealing with tensions and criticism of stay-at-home orders.

    “In these days in which we are starting to have regulations to come out of quarantine, let us pray to the Lord that he gives his people, all of us, the grace of prudence and obedience to the regulations.

    “So that the pandemic does not return,” the leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Roman Catholic said.

    Francis has been in lockdown himself, with his events streamed on the internet with no public participation.

    His comments were particularly relevant in Italy, where Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s plans for a staged end to Europe’s longest lockdown has been criticised by those who say it is too slow and limited.

    Italy, which at 27,000 has the world’s second-highest number of coronavirus deaths, will allow factories and building sites to reopen and permit limited family visits in the first stage starting on May 4.

    One regional governor broke with Conte, allowing more freedom of movement than allowed in the national plan.

    Even Italy’s Catholic bishops criticised Conte for not lifting a ban on holding Masses at the start of the exit strategy.

    Conte has said he will review their demands and come up with a plan soon to allow Masses to be held under safe conditions.