The Abia State Government has approved new working hours for markets
in the State as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country. It also released new guidelines on how wedding ceremonies will henceforth be conducted in the State. Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the
Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Barr. Chris Ezem, made this
known in a statement on Thursday.
Ezem stated that violators of the guidelines would face serious
consequences, including disruption of the event(s) and prosecution by
the relevant court. “Going forward, Abia State’s new Covid-19 protocol will be as follows:
“The ban on interstate movement is hereby lifted as approved by the
Federal Government up to curfew time from 10 pm to 6 am. On intrastate
transport, Keke operators are to carry a maximum of 2 persons, minibus
(Oke-bekee), maximum of 5, Hiace Bus, maximum of 7 and coaster, maximum
of 14. All drivers and passengers are mandated to wear face masks
throughout their trip. All Intra and interstate transporters are to
strictly observe curfew time as directed by the Federal Government.
The
Government will provide digital thermometers at our State borders to
screen interstate travellers as travellers who fail the screening would
be turned back or quarantined in the nearest Covid-19 holding area.
Security agencies are authorized to ensure strict compliance with the
use of a face mask and must apprehend violators.
“All
burials, weddings and other public gatherings must be approved by the
office of the SSG upon application made through the TC Chairman of the
applicable Local Government. No such gathering must exceed 50 persons
and the necessary Covid-19 protocol must be observed. Leaders of
churches meant to preside over this event(s) are requested to obtain
further information from the office of the Secretary to Abia State
Government. Violation of these guidelines will attract serious
consequences, including disruption of the event(s) and prosecution by
the relevant court.
“Markets are now to operate Mondays to Fridays from 7 am to 5 pm.
Market Enforcement Teams are to ensure that all Covid-19 protocols
strictly apply in all our markets; namely Compulsory provision of
washing facilities, regular fumigation and compulsory wearing of face
mask which will be inspected three times per week by the State task
force and enforced every day by the market enforcement committee.
“In line with Federal Government directives, our ministry of
Education is currently working out modalities for the reopening of
schools particularly for primary 6, JSS 3 and SS3 students in the State.
The Government, however, warns that anybody running classes or study
centres contrary to Government directive will be prosecuted. Such a
study center should approach the honourable commissioner for Education
for guidelines and necessary accreditation; otherwise, they stand the
risk of permanent closure and prosecution.
“Government will soon make public a new enforcement regime for compulsory use of face masks. “Abians are strongly advised to continue to observe all Covid-19
protocols as regards compulsory wearing of face masks, observing regular
hygiene of handwashing and use of sanitizer and social distancing to
ensure that we all stay safe at all times.”
SOURCE: Daily Post
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