The governor of Ekiti State, Kayode Fayemi, has extended the restrictions placed on the state by another 14 Days and also mandated the use of face masks in public places by persons exempted from the restrictions.
The governor had earlier placed a 14-day restriction on the state in order to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The extension was however disclosed in a statement which was signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Biodun Oyebanji, on Monday, April 13.
The statement reads:
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“In consideration of available evidence on progress made to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Ekiti State and in recognition of similar efforts by neighbouring states and the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has directed the extension of restriction of movement and curfew in Ekiti State for two weeks, until 23:59 Monday, April 27, 2020.
“Only exceptions allowed are for the purposes of obtaining food, seeking emergency, life-saving, or chronic medical attention or obtaining social security grant.
“Persons performing essential services will be allowed to move around, particularly health workers, but must be duly designated with an identity card by the Head of their Institutions.
“All businesses and other entities shall remain closed. Oja Oba and Oja Bisi markets shall remain closed. Except for any business or entity involved in the manufacturing, supply or provision of an essential good or service.
“In facilities where essential goods are sold, all directives in respect of hygienic conditions to prevent the exposure of persons to COVID-19 must be adhered to.
“Any gathering in Ekiti State remains prohibited save for gathering in respect of a funeral, which shall be limited to 20 people.
“All boundaries of the State shall remain closed during the period of extension, except for transportation of fuel, and essential goods
“ In compliance with recent findings on causes of the spread of COVID -19, wearing of face masks in public places will be compulsory from April 14th, 2020.
“Government is finalizing arrangements to make face masks available to persons on essential duties, including foodstuff sellers in markets.
“ The school–on-air programme for primary and secondary school students will continue during the period.
“The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has been directed to continue to improve on the modalities for ensuring effective delivery of this programme.
“Government is making efforts to set up a COVID 19 test centre in the state. This is one of the major tasks of the COVID-19 Response Resource Mobilisation Committee, recently set up by the government to mobilise funds and manage projects to prevent the spread of this pandemic,” Fayemi said.
“There is sufficient evidence to show that these measures taken so far are working.
“I urged you all to continue to observe all hygienic procedures recommended by health workers, including avoiding shaking hands, hugging, sitting close to each other and other forms of physical contact,” Fayemi said.