Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger says the government has seen with alarm that individuals no longer follow safety measures against COVID-19, particularly wearing of face mask in public places, which he says is unsatisfactory.
He made the observation during a news briefing after meeting with the state’s Task Force Committee on COVID-19 in Minna.
As per him, there will be reinforced strict adherence to safety protocols of wearing a face mask, hand-washing, use of sanitizers and maintenance of physical distancing.
He said
“All forms of mass gathering occasioned by the ease of lockdown are hereby proscribed, and there shall be reinvigorated curfew from 10 p.m. till 4 a.m.”
He directed the state’s ministries of Information, Health and relevant MDAs to embark on sensitization on the need to observe the protocols to curtail spread of the virus.
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He said there should be caution, especially in markets, motor parks, places of worship and other public places.
He directed that all access to government house and other government offices should be restricted except for those on essential services.
The governor directed security agencies to strictly enforce compliance, adding that violators of the directives would be prosecuted by mobile courts.
The representative guided the Ministry of Health to guarantee that all deaths were tried for COVID-19 at the at the nearest health facility for burial protocol.
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He revealed that the state recorded 166 cases of COVID-19, discharged 113, with nine deaths.
He said the 11 affected local government areas include; Bida, Borgu, Bosso, Chanchaga, Kontagora, Mariga.
