Coronavirus: Kwara shuts borders, to fumigate markets

Kwara State government has announced the immediate closure of its local and external borders amid ramped up efforts to block entries of vehicles from outside and prevent the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

The government, however, said the border closure excludes all categories of movement sanctioned in the broadcast of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that the partial shutdowns within the state remain in force until further notice.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin, on Tuesday, the state deputy governor and Chairman of the State Technical Committee on COVID-19, Mr Kayode Alabi, said, “The government hereby announces the shutting down of all our land borders to ban movement to the state from elsewhere. The only exemptions to this rule are those stated in the address of Mr President. Specifically, these are vehicles carrying agricultural produce, medical equipment, and officials on essential duties related to COVID-19 campaign.

“All previous restrictions and exemptions locally remain in force. A specific warning here goes to commercial motorcycles (Okada) who have been violating the shutdown orders. Any violators caught would face the full consequences of the law.”

Alabi also said the government will begin fumigation of markets and other specific locations after which specific markets would be designated for people to purchase essentials like food and medicines.

He commended corporate bodies and individuals for their donations to the government, saying that the government’s palliative measures are ready for deployment and would be handled by a committee, chaired by the Emir of Shonga, Dr Haliru Yahaya, who is due to brief the media on Wednesday to give the modalities.

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“In addition to the facilities on the ground, the government is evacuating the Sobi Specialist Hospital and dedicate it entirely as COVID-19 response centre, among other steps. The various wards at the facility with about 20 patients are being moved to nearby government hospitals with all services intact.

“While thanking everyone who has donated materials and money for this cause, including those who are privately reaching out to the public, the government notes a dangerous trend in the way some palliatives are being shared. Pictures have surfaced online showing people moving from house to house to share things for whatever mileage. This is very dangerous as it could lead to unintended community transmission of coronavirus.

“Following informed opinion of the medical advisory committee of the technical committee on COVID-19, the government hereby bans such house to house distribution of materials at this time. Donors or their privies can drop such materials at collection points in each ward while beneficiaries go there and pick under strict compliance with COVID-19 prevention protocols. Further information will be given in this regard by His Royal Highness in his briefing tomorrow.

“Donors who may want to be identified with the gestures may wish to brand such materials or foodstuffs in their names, political or social affiliations. Once again, the government commends everyone who has reached out to the poor at this time. However, such must be done without provoking a crisis we are trying to prevent in Kwara State.

“Finally, we wish to state that Kwara State does not have any confirmed case of COVID-19 as at this minute. We continue to be on the alert and we urge the public to be as specific as possible when offering intelligence to our medical team.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE