Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa has signed an Executive Order to enforce the restriction of movement order to contain the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
The governor said the restriction order forbade any person from going out without genuine reason such as basic necessities that included food, water and drugs.
Others, he said, included seeking medical assistance, providing care and assistance to a vulnerable person, donating blood or for the purpose of work, which was all classified as essential services.
“Therefore, the list of reasonable excuses set out in the restriction order is non-exhaustive.
“Government expects citizens to exercise caution when considering any undertaking outside those exceptions specifically allowed, as they may have to justify that to the police or other law enforcement agencies and the courts.
“Under the regulation, the police or law enforcement officers may use reasonable force if there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a person is or may be infected or contaminated with the COVID-19 and there is a risk that the person may infect others.
“The main purpose of the order is for protection of citizens and the furtherance of public safety which is the fulcrum of any responsible government.
“It is an offence under the restriction order for a person to provide false or misleading information, or to obstruct any person lawfully enforcing its provisions, without reasonable excuse,” he said.