Ogun begins face mask enforcement May 1

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said on Friday the state government would begin the enforcement of the use of face masks May 1.

Abiodun, who disclosed this to journalists in Iperu, said that violators would be arrested or isolated for 14 days.

He, however, said the distribution of over 2 million masks would begin after the enforcement.

The governor said: “We have always encouraged the use of face masks but let me add that with the reality facing us, the use of face mask in public by all individuals in Ogun State is now compulsory as from Friday, May 1, 2020.

“We will also begin to distribute face masks to those who cannot afford to buy in addition to other materials to our vulnerable groups.

“On the issue of violation of face mask order, I think maybe by the time we are going to implement this face mask order, I will be able to reel out what the punishment for the violators would be.

“But rest assured that we will arrest you if you don’t wear a face mask. In fact when we arrest you, we take you to an isolation centre because we will believe that you want to intentionally inflict or afflict someone with COVID-19.

“That’s why you are not wearing your face mask.

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“So, we will isolate you for 14 days during which we make you to do community service. So, in your best interest, please ensure that if you are going out, wear your face mask.”

Abiodun also tasked the people of the state to take cognizance of health safety and recommendations that had been issued by experts.

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