The Governor of Borno state, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, have ordered the indefinite suspension of the total Lock down in the state as there is a loudable progress in the war against COVID-19 in the State Healthforbes Media reports.Though he made it crystal clear that If there be any escalation in the cases of Coronavirus in the state, the state Government will not hesitate to return to its normal status of the total Lockdown.
Umar Kadafir, the deputy Governor of Borno state who is the Chairman of the state’s high Powered Response Team For the Prevention and Control, declared this in a statement on Wednesday in the state Capital.
“In furtherance of the endeavors to contain and eradicate this deadly scourge, the High Powered Committee wishes to announce the indefinite suspension of the lockdown for the time being”He said.
He added that, the success recorded in the state is due to the stringent measures abdopted by the State Government to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Deputy Governor reiterated that, the use of Face mask is compulsory in all public places in the state and all funerals, weddings and naming ceremonies still remain the maximum of 20 persons only.
Meanwhile, he directed all,traditional rulers, Government officials, community and Opinion leaders,not to take lightly the enforcement of Social or physical distancing in place of worship and social gatherings.
The work from home law imposed on grade 1-12 remains at it is, except if directed otherwise.
In the statement, he said;”Henceforth, Jumma’at prayers and five daily prayers shall be observed in all mosques as recommended by the Borno State Council of Ulamas.
“Churches too shall conduct services as recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
“All congregations must be observed based on strict principles of Coronavirus preventive measures which included social distancing, use of face mask and hand sanitiser,” he added.
According to Kadafur, bans on consumption and sales of Alcoholic beverages still retains its place and defaulted shall be dealt accordingly.
He said all vehicle and tricycle operators must wear face mask as drastic measures will be put in place to enforce restriction on entry into the state in all borders across the state.
All drivers of essential vehicle must be subjected to Coronavirus test at the point of entry into the state,he added.
He directed that all consultations partainting to COVID-19 by pharmacists and patent medicine stores should be referred to appropriate designated hospitals.
He said; “The state Government has also considered as recommended by the Borno State Council of Ulamas which clearly stated that Eid Prayers is Sunnah (non-obligatory) hence, there should be no Eid Prayers. Muslims should remain at home during the period,”
He also commended the citizens for the support they rendered to the Government by adhering with the polices and programmes put in place to contain the Pandemic.
By Dung Donald Malou