Nigeria

COVID-19: Uncertainty as Nigerian governor speaks about imposing second lockdown

Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 1:38 PM by Kess Ewubare

- Governor Hope Uzodinma has reacted to the lax compliance of COVID-19 protocols in Imo state

- The governor announces new measures introduced to make residents comply with the protocols

- Uzodinma disclosed what will happen to citizens who fail to comply with the directives

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The Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma has disclosed that he may order another lockdown in the state if residents refuse to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

Uzodinma made the disclosure in a state broadcast on Friday, January 22, The Sun reported.

COVID-19: Uncertainty as Nigerian governor speaks about imposing second lockdown — The Imo state government said it will enforce COVID-19 protocols strictly. Photo: @GovtOfImoState
Source: Twitter

The governor said he is displeased with the lack of compliance with COVID-19 protocols in the state.

He said the authorities will begin to arrest and prosecute people who refuse to wear a face mask and observe social distancing.

Vanguard reported that Uzodinma said violators of the protocols risk a maximum jail term of six months or N20,000.

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His said:

“Imo State COVID-19 Committee and relevant agencies in the Ministry of Health, have been empowered to arrest and prosecute anyone seen in public without a face mask. Such offenders when convicted, would be liable to a maximum jail term of six months or N20,000.''

The governor also mandated businesses to provide hand sanitisers, wash handstands and test the temperature of their customers.

He said anyone without a facemask should not be permitted into any business premises.

Uzodinma warned that stores, hotels, eatery or night clubs that refuse to adhere to these directives will be permanently shut down.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has announced that his administration is now setting up new oxygen production plants in 38 locations across Nigeria.

The president noted that the initiative is part of efforts to contain the second wave of COVID-19 which has witnessed a huge spike in infections in the last few days.