COVID-19: Gov Ugwuanyi Announces Ban On Social Ceremonies, Lists New Transportation Guidelines

Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi on Tuesday suspended all social activities in the state as a measure to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

The governor, in his address, called on the people of the state to observe all necessary precautions to defeat the virus.

Among the social activities suspended are those of marriage, burial, masquerade, nightclub, pub and sporting.

He said his administration had taken some steps in the past weeks to contain the pandemic, including strengthening the state emergency operations centre; establishment of a multi-sectoral rapid response team comprising representatives of relevant ministries, departments and agencies, including local and international partners, such as the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

He said his administration had released the sum of N330m for strengthening the coronavirus disease preparedness and response, stating that out of this sum, N150m was dedicated to the purchase of additional ambulances and incident vehicles, protective equipment, upgrading of the state infectious diseases isolation centre, training of health workers, advocacy and public enlightenment.

In his words, “The sum of N80m is for restocking of the state drug revolving scheme while the remaining N100m is provisioned for unforeseen public health challenges.”

As proactive measures in tackling the scourge, Ugwuanyi said, “I, in consultation with the state multi-sectoral rapid response team, security agencies and other relevant stakeholders now order the following additional safety measures with immediate effect: closure of all educational institutions in the state; all public officers/civil servants to work from home till further notice, except health workers, forest guards, neighbourhood watch personnel, water corporation staff, waste management operatives, staff of the Enugu State Emergency Management Agency, fire fighters and those involved in other essential services.”

He continued that, “The social distancing protocol as advised by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control should be observed during public religious worships as well as at restaurants and eateries. All local government council chairmen are hereby directed to mobilise their environmental and community health workers to sustain the ongoing public enlightenment on protocol for prevention of the coronavirus transmission in our markets and parks.

“All public transport operators in the state are to observe the following rules on passenger conveyance in each instance: Keke, not more than two passengers; commuter buses, not more than two passengers per seat; and city cab, not more than three passengers.”

Ugwuanyi further called on law enforcement agencies in the state to enforce strict compliance of the directives while urging residents of the state to make provisions for basic needs in view of the
coronavirus realities.