As the number of coronavirus cases in Nigria spike up to 65, the Kaduna state government has declared a total lockdown in the state over non-compliance of the residents with some measures earlier put in place.
This was disclosed by the deputy governor, Hadiza Balarabe, on Thursday, March 26, during the state broadcast.
According to Balarebe, the decision is “in the exercise of the powers vested in the governor by the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria 1999, (as amended), sections 2 and 8 of the quarantine act 1926 and the Kaduna state public health law of 1917.”
She further announced that the state has “been declared a public health area. Coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID-19, is hereby declared as a dangerous, infectious disease within the meaning of the quarantine act.”
The deputy governor said that the state standing committee on COVID-19 prevention met on Thursday, March 26, to review global and national developments relating to the coronavirus pandemic.
She said;
“The committee also considered reports of unsatisfactory compliance levels with the preventive measures that have been outlined by the government in repeated announcements, and with increasing severity, over the past seven days,”
“There were also reports of certain persons not obeying the ban announced on motorcycle taxis and ‘Keke-Napep ’ tricycles.”
“From midnight of Thursday, March 26, all residents of Kaduna state must stay at home. No offices, businesses of any sort, or places of worship are allowed to open.”
Balarabe clarified that “the only category of persons exempted are workers in essential services such as health workers, the fire service and security personnel.”
Balarabe further warned that the curfew would be strictly enforced by the security agencies, adding that “they have clear directives for the immediate arrest and prosecution of any person that violates these measures.”
“Churches and mosques will be shut. There will no congregational prayers or services either within these places of worship or outdoors. Wedding events and all social gatherings are strictly prohibited while these emergency measures remain in place.”
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“We recognise that Kaduna state is a transport hub. Therefore, transit through Kaduna will be allowed, provided that such vehicles ply only the Western bye-pass.
“Government recognises that this lockdown will have consequences for everyone, but more so for the vulnerable persons in our communities. As indicated in previous statements, the government is procuring food and other supplies, funded from its contingency budget, to mitigate the challenges of a lockdown for such persons,” she added.
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