Obaseki asks police, others to enforce coronavirus protocols

The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has urged security agencies to mobilise their operatives in the state to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 safety protocols.

The governor said this after a closed-door meeting with heads of security agencies in the state.

He said, “We deliberated extensively on the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and regulations in Edo. People don’t wear their face masks in public, as they should. The discussion this afternoon was on how we can enforce the compliance so that we can slow down the spread of the virus.

“Decisions have been taken and effective from today. You will see different teams across the state who will ensure full compliance of COVID-19 protocols. The new curfew time is from 10 pm to 5 am.”

In a related development, the state government said it was putting adequate measures in place ahead of the reopening of schools in the state to check the spread of the COVID-19.

Addressing journalists at the COVID-19 Edo State Infectious Disease and Isolation Centre, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Osamwonyi Irowa, said available data showed that more minors below the age of 10 had been infected with the disease.

He said if schools were allowed to open, the children will go back home to meet their parents or guardians who are are most likely to be older persons, which could lead to a disaster.

He said, “As we speak today, we are perfecting plans for school reopening. Some of these teachers are also not young. They are also among those we are protecting.”