BREAKING – Henceforth, Wear Face Masks Or Face Prosecution’

Governments at different levels in Nigeria are intensifying measures towards containing the corona virus pandemic in their areas.

To that extent, the government of Edo State is mandating residents of the state who must leave their homes to wear face masks or risk being prosecuted.

This is in addition to observing safe distance and isolation measures necessary to keeping the virus in check.

The State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state COVID-19 Response Committee, Mr Philip Shaibu told newsmen that government had concluded plans to collaborate with local tailors to mass-produce face masks in the state.

This is to ensure that residents do not latch on the excuse of non-availability for their failure to adhere with the directive.

He said: “We have held several meetings with stakeholders today and we agreed that all residents who must leave their homes during the partial lockdown must wear a face mask.

“We are working with local tailors to mass-produce these face mask that will go round everybody.

“I want to encourage us to stay at home and if you must go out please wear a face mask and maintain social distance,” he said.

The deputy governor said the government was serious with the directive and thata any resident found flouting it would be prosecuted.

“we have discovered that some returnees use hotels as isolation centres and we are saying it is no longer acceptable. “Those who are even isolating themselves at home do not adhere to the rules so it is banned with effect from today.

“Only the four designated isolation centres in Auchi general hospital in Edo North, Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo Central, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) and Stella Obasanjo hospital in Edo South will be used from now on,” he said.