COVID-19: Major decisions taken by Kwara govt ahead of Monday

HE Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq

The Kwara state government on Friday said the easing the economic activities in the  state will begin on Monday 4, 2020, ROYAL NEWS reports.

The Deputy Governor/ Chairman COVID-19 Commitee in the state, Mr. Kayode Alabi, state this in Ilorin while briefing journalists.

He noted that, “Farmers and related services are to operate under the current Kwara state guidelines earlier spelt out in previous communication

• Strict adherence to NCDC social distancing guidelines (reduction of work force may be necessary to maintain social distancing)

• All workers must wear appropriate face masks

• INTRA-state AND INTER-state transportation of agricultural produces are allowed but

DECONTAMINATION of the vehicles should be carried out after trips to States with high numbers of COVID-19 (Lagos, Abuja and Kano)

• Use of Trailers to transport humans is STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Public works

• All construction firms and workers in the state should resume work
• State Civil Servants should continue to work from home except for those on essential services or those granted special permissions.

Markets, Eateries and restaurants

• Local markets are to operate between 10.00a.m. and 4.00p.m. Other businesses may open at 60% capacity but must adhere to social distancing and other safety measures
• Everybody in the market should wear face masks
• All shops with clearly defined entrance should make provision for hand washing and adhere to social distancing guidelines
• deny entry into their shops to Buyers without face masks
• Marketers are directed to not attend to Buyers without face masks
• The market associations must control the number of people in the market at any particular time to avoid overcrowding.
• Strict sanitation protocols must be observed before entering the market
• Eateries and restaurants should only operate take away services.

Road Transport

• Interstate travels are prohibited as earlier directed by Mr. President. Violators will be sanctioned accordingly
• Intra-state travels are allowed with the following provisions:
• Taxis may operate everyday with maximum of 3 passengers with all Occupants wearing face masks
• Keke napep may operate with maximum of 2 passengers and all Occupants must wear face masks
• All commercial transport vehicles except Okada may operate everyday but at 50% capacity to maintain social distancing. Violations will be resisted and punished.
• Face masks and the use of sanitisers before embarkment by drivers and passengers are compulsory. All vehicles must also have sanitisers onboard during travel.

Sectors to remain closed:

• All schools are to remain closed until further evaluation
• Sport gatherings remain prohibited until further evaluation
• Religious and non-religious gatherings are disallowed until further evaluation.
• Hospitality services (hotels, beer parlours and night clubs) are to remain closed until further evaluation
• Concerts and other social parties/gatherings remain banned until further notice

According to him, “This is in preparation for the gradual easing of lockdown, the government had earlier directed the production of 500,000 face masks which have started coming in in bits.

“At the moment, we have commenced mass distribution of over 40,000 face masks and sanitisers to markets, bus parks and transporters, hospitals, and elsewhere. We will continue to distribute as we receive more masks in the next few days or weeks. We call on private individuals and corporate organisations to also produce masks.”