By Kenneth Jukpor
As part of efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Ebonyi State, the Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi has directed security agencies to arrest Ebonyi residents found outdoor without wearing face masks.
The Governor stated that the action would take effect from today, April 4, 2020, even as he described the pandemic as a satanic scourge.
According to Umahi, his plan was that COVID-19 does not reach Ebonyi State, hence, he directed that throughout the State, anybody seen outside his/her house must wear a face mask to prevent possible outbreak of the virus.
“Note that handkerchief, head tie, pre-made medical mask could serve the purpose of face mask. Security agencies, all sub-committees on COVID-19, Chairmen of Local Government Areas, Coordinators and indeed all Government officials are hereby directed to arrest anyone seen outside his/her home anywhere in Ebonyi State without wearing face mask,” he said.
The governor also directed all the tailors in Ebonyi State to meet the speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly; Hon. Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru for immediate production of face masks to avail residents of the material.
However, the Governor also requested information on anyone showing symptoms of high body temperature/ fever, dry cough, and difficulty in breathing.
“It is to be noted that older people and people with other medical conditions such as; Asthma, diabetes, or heart diseases may be more vulnerable to Coronavirus.For information about those with symptoms of COVID-19, please call these hotlines: 07045910340, 08159279460, 07085763054”, he stated.
The government also placed a ban on social and reigious gatherings with threats of arrest for anyone who defies these regulations.
According to the government, the use of sanitizers, washing of hands and steaming twice a day, including frequent intake of hot liquids are highly recommended.
The government stated that it is working hard to compile the names of those that will be needing palliatives from the state and those that will benefit from the Federal Government Conditional Cash Transfer.
“We are in contact with our brothers and sisters who came from outside especially areas infested with COVID-19 both within and outside Nigeria and we are monitoring their health conditions on daily basis,” the governor assured.
This information was revealed in a press release signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation and Ag. Commissioner, Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Hon. Barr Orji Uchenna Orji.
