By Samuel Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State government has said it would shut out civil servants without facemasks from their offices.
It has also directed the State Commissioner of Police to increase the enforcement of compulsory use of facemask in all parts of the state, including rural communities.
Secretary to State Government and Chairman, COVID-19 Management Committee Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem who announced this in Uyo on Monday said it has already coordinated village heads and council chairmen to ensure enforcement.
Ekuwem warned lthat anyone caught defaulting the order would have to be detained for hours to serve as deterrent to others.
“We have noticed with dismay, the manifest flouting of the regulation requiring the use of face masks. As a responsible government, we must act to curb the spread of the virus and protect our citizens and residents. To this end, the Governor has directed the State Commissioner of Police to order the monitoring teams to enforce this protocol to the letter.
“We urge our citizens to take personal responsibility by properly wearing their face masks and maintaining social distancing. All citizens and residents are urged to comply with the AKSG/NCDC/WHO COVID-19 Guidelines and protocols. For emphasis, we must all note the need for:
“We insist on Social distancing wherever people are gathered (churches, markets, schools, hotels, funerals, etc.); Wearing of face masks, Frequent washing of hands, Use of sanitizers.
“Report any case of high body temperature (38oC and above), frequent sneezing, frequent coughing, loss of sense of smell, frequent stooling, breathlessness, etc. to the Isolation Centre in Ituk Mbang General Hospital or to the nearest medical facility”. He said
Giving update on the spread of the virus so far in the state, Ekuwem said “Our statistics as at yesterday are: Total tests conducted – 1721, Total number of confirmed cases – 250, Total number of recoveries – 208, Total number of active cases – 34Total number of deaths – 8”.
The SSG used the occasion to reiterate that the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has been leading the battle against the pandemic from the frontlines, which accounts for the huge support all critical pillars of the fight have received.
“He has spared nothing in this fight, but now is the time for individual responsibility- by maintaining high personal hygiene, keeping social distancing and proper use of face masks”. Ekuwem assured.
