Ogun government increases existing guidelines to combat Coronavirus

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Ogun state government said for clarity has increased the existing guidelines to combat COVID-19 in the state that would continue in the meantime.

Elaborating on the guidelines, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun added that the state government having observed that Okada motorcycles were breaking the law of carrying more than a passenger, they would not hesitate to ban all Okada motorcycles from operating in the state if government resolve is further put to test.

It could be recalled that government has stipulated that only one passenger is allowed for motorcycles operators to carry, while two passengers only for tricycles across the state.

Meanwhile, he said that other initial guidelines still remained. “All five working days in the week, from Monday to Friday are still opened for businesses and other economic transactions with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days.

“Observation of dusk-to-dawn curfew as directed by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) i.e. between 10.00pm and 4.00am daily; Restrictions on interstate travel are still in force; Wearing of face masks in the public is still mandatory;

“Also, taxi cabs and buses still have 60% limitation on their carrying capacity and the measure to arrest and impound any driver that contravenes this in our state is still in force. The COVID-19 Task Force in markets must continue to ensure physical distancing, availability of hand washing facilities, and use of gloves and facemasks for traders;

“Decontamination will continue in our markets and other public places. Limitation of all gatherings to a maximum number of 20, is still in effect;

“Gyms, event centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, nightclubs, swimming pools, barber-shops, spas, beauty salons, and all public parks, including those in private residential estates, are still not allowed to operate;

“Restaurants are permitted to provide only take-away services and should also ensure that there are no more than 10-15 customers at a time with physical distancing measures in place. Guidelines for eat-in services are still being fine-tuned;

“All industries in Ogun State must continue to comply with the Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Workplaces in Ogun State to Combat COVID-19, as issued by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments. Therefore, testing of staff for COVID-19 in all industries in the state must be sustained;

“The Task Force set up to conduct random spot checks on the premises of the industries, restaurants and other business enterprises to confirm compliance is still in operation.”

He however stressed that as usual, they would continue to monitor the situation and developments and not hesitate to review and adjust the guidelines accordingly, as may be required.

“Our objective is to preserve the welfare and wellbeing of our people at all times, afterall that is the primary reason for the existence of government in the first place. In doing this, it will require tough decisions.

“I have no doubt that we can continue to count on the understanding and support of our people in this joint war against an invisible enemy which turn wives to widows and children to orphans. In this task, we are confident that we will prevail through the benevolence of God Almighty and the resilience of the human spirit.

“I cannot end this address without specially thanking all our frontline workers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical lab scientists, supporting personnel and indeed all health workers.

“I commend the patriotism and commitment of security personnel, journalists and other essential workers for their cooperation in the efforts to flatten the curve of COVID-19. Our efforts will not be in vain, together, we will defeat COVID-19,” he concluded.