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Kogi governor orders closure of entry points as COVID-19 spreads
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Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, ordered the closure of all entry points into the state following the growing cases of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who attended the third day Fidau prayer of the governor’s late mother, tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday.
In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor ordered the closure of all entry points including land and waterways among other measures.
He warned violators of the directive of possible arrest by the police.
The statement read: “The Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, hereby issues the following directives to guide the response of Government and citizens to the stark realities of the coronavirus outbreak.
“All entry points into Kogi State (land and waterways) are now closed. Entry and transit by any vehicle is subject to a successful health check of all passengers.
“To prevent avoidable delays, which may extend to preventive quarantining, persons with any disease condition which mimics CORVID-19 symptoms, including elevated temperatures, should have a medical report from a reputable hospital/medical practitioner explaining their condition before venturing through the state.
The directive down shutting all educational institutions in the state, both public and private, from Monday, March 23, 2020, remains in effect until further notice.
“Civil servants on Grade Level 1-13, except those on specified essential services (medical personnel, revenue officers, law enforcement) are to remain at home and away from work till advised otherwise.
“All social, cultural and religious activities are hereby suspended and essential activities must not have a crowd beyond 5 persons. We solicit everyone’s prayers from the safety of their homes.
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“Tricycle (keke) operators may carry only one (1) passenger at a time and must provide hand sanitizers for use by their passengers. Relevant officials are empowered to stop and enforce compliance. Defaulters will be arrested.
“Regular four-wheeled taxis may carry only three (3) passengers at a time (1 in front and 2 behind) and must provide hand sanitizers for use by their passengers. Relevant officials are empowered to stop and enforce compliance. Defaulters will be arrested.”
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