From Mathew Jwantu,
Minna
Following the outbreak of Corona virus in Abuja, Niger state government has impost curfew from 8am to 8pm as preventive measures against the scourge. Calling on all civil servants on grade level 1-12 to stay at home, except those on essential services.
Governor Sani Bello who declared the curfew in a state broadcast, said Niger State Government will enforce all preventive measures as advised by Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), especially social distancing and hand washing routines.
He explained that Niger state Government is collaborating with Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) on effective means of sharing information on how to prevent infection and mitigate in case of an outbreak in the state.
He said, as from Wednesday, March 25th, 2020, the state shall observe daily curfew from 8:00am to 8:00pm till further notice.
“The general public including market men and women must practice social distancing and hand washing with soap regularly”.
He challenged the traditional leaders to ensure all almajiri schools in their communities are closed down.
“All forms of street hawking and begging are by this directive banned” he warn.
The state according to him, has reactivated Isolation Centre at General Hospital, Minna and isolation rooms in all General Hospitals across the state.
“We have prepositioned drugs, medical supplies and personal protection equipment at the Isolation Centre in Minna. Sensitization of our clinicians on epidemic prone diseases is ongoing. Treatment protocols are also being circulated” he explained
He reiterated that the state has strengthened the surveillance system to detect any case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) including investigation and monitoring of any outbreak. The Public Health Emergency Operation Centre is at watch mode and enhanced surveillance is already in place.
He said risk communication through the media has since commenced, even as he ordered the closure of public and private schools and institutions in Niger State to remain closed down from today, Monday 23rd March, 2020.
According to him, all public gatherings of more than 20 persons are prohibited from today 23rd March, 2020.
All public offices including Ministries, Departments and Agencies must provide hand washing items at the entrance of their facilities.
End