By Adeniyi Adedeji, Ilorin
Kwara State has recorded five new COVID-19 confirmed cases, bringing the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state to nine.
Making this known at a press conference was the state Deputy Governor, Mr. Kayode Alabi, who also doubles as the Chairman of the State COVID-19 Technical Committee.
Alabi said that the fresh five cases were discovered within two days; but however disclosed that of the 9, two had recovered and had been discharged, while the five new cases were contacts from previous cases.
The Deputy Governor said, “They had been in self isolation from where their samples were taken. As we speak, our hardworking rapid response team have since started aggressive contact tracing of persons who have had contacts with them.”
Alabi said that the arrangement was to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 and put the state in firm control of the situation.
He said, “The truth is that we are in a dire situation. Drastic measures, as we have taken, are required to urgently contain the spread of this virus before it kills everyone or brings down human civilisation as it is threatening to do.
“Our best shot is to stay at home, maintain physical distancing, constantly wash our hands, and practice good coughing or sneezing etiquette, among other safety protocols.”
Expressing the state government’s displeasure with the people for poor compliance with the extant laws on movement restriction and the attendant lockdown, the Deputy Governor said that more strict enforcement of the law would commence without further ado.
He said, “The government is very displeased with the reckless violation of the no-movement directive. Going forward, punitive actions shall be taken against anyone who violates the regulations.
“All our markets remain open only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 8a.m. and 12noon, for people to restock food and other essentials.
“There shall, however, be no vehicular movements of any kind, except for those on essential duties and trucks conveying foods and drugs and associated services, as earlier exempted.
“For emphasis, Okada, Keke Napep, taxi, private vehicles and other vehicular movements are disallowed.
“People are to patronise only markets nearer to their places of residence. Movements to the markets shall be by foot.”
Alabi said that anyone caught violating these regulations will be prosecuted in the mobile courts and sanctioned accordingly, adding that the “people are to note that convictions at this mobile courts carries the same consequences as other judicial convictions.”
Meanwhile, he told newsmen that the government had put in place a Disease Surveillance and Notification team, which would go round to spot possible infected people, test and send them to quarantine locations.
