COVID-19: Abia govt makes wearing of face masks compulsory for residents, visitors

Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered compulsory wearing of face masks by Abia residents and visitors.

The order which takes effect from Wednesday (today), according to the governor, was part of the state’s efforts to guide against COVID-19 from entering and spreading in the state.

Announcing this on Tuesday, the governor said, the governor directed that the face masks must be worn in markets, petrol stations, shops and shopping malls, among others.

The governor further instructed for hand sanitisers to be made available in all public places in the state where residents may visit for religious or commercial purposes.

He said, “In exercise of the powers conferred on me by paragraph 15(2) of the Abia state Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020 and other extant laws, I, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (PhD), Governor of Abia State hereby directs; That with effect from 15th day of April, 2020,” the governor said.

“All residents of Abia State and those visiting and or passing through Abia State shall wear authentic face masks in all public places such as markets, petrol stations, shops, shopping malls, event centers, bars, hotels, places of worship, educational institutions, prisons, offices etc.

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“That all occupiers of premises where members of the public visit for commercial, ceremonial, religious, charity, and or educational purposes shall provide hand sanitizers and or running water with soap to enable visitors to these places sanitize and or wash their hands before entering the premises.”

Abia is one of the states in Nigeria with no record of COVID-19 yet

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