Oluseyi Dasilva
Chairman, Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19, Kayode Alabi has declared a total lock down on Offa town in Offa local government area of the state.
Alabi, who is also the Deputy Governor of the state while addressing the press at the deputy governor’s lodge Tuesday evening explained that the lock down of the ancient community is based on the confirmation of two COVID 19 cases in the community.
He said: “Following the confirmation of two cases of COVID-19 in Offa, the government is compelled to effect a total shutdown of the ancient town to contain community transmission and save people’s lives. This shutdown will become effective at 6pm local time on Wednesday April 8th.
“This directive is pursuant to the Kwara State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020.
The Chairman declare that shutdown means total restriction on every vehicular movement into or from Offa with exceptions being those contained in the recent address of Mr President which granted access to vehicles transporting foodstuffs, poultry and pharmaceutical products.
He added that “any other movement, private or commercial is hereby banned for the next 14 days or until such a time the government is satisfied that our people are no longer at risk of mass infections arising from the two cases that have been traced to the town.
Alabi warned that any violators of this directive shall be liable to punishments outlined in the Kwara State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020 adding that various security agencies, including the police and the Nigerian Navy, have been drafted to enforce the directive while His Royal Highness the Olofa of Offa was said to have been fully briefed.
He urge the people to bear with the government in this tough period reiterating that the human community is certain to come out of this pandemic stronger and better.
He then stated the government calls for timely report of any suspicious case of COVID-19 and that anyone with travel history to frontline states, the America or European countries and others in the last three weeks should please contact the Kwara State Technical Committee for relevant advisory.
The deputy Governor hinted that arrangements have been made to distribute palliatives to the poorest of the poor to assist them in this trying time.
He narrated distribution of palliative will take place before the week runs out adding that it will be to strictly the aged, the physically challenged, widows/widowers, poor artisans, and any other needy group that the ward-based committee on palliatives deem qualified for the food stuffs.
He said: “This committees comprise traditional rulers, religious leaders and local Community Based Organisations whose duty is to monitor the exercise. We want to clarify that this palliative cannot go round. It is targeted strictly at the poorest of the poor in the belief that they are the most affected at this time.
“We pray for all of those infected to get well soon. We assure them of getting the best care possible. Rest assured that you have committed no crime. To all our healthcare specialists, we are grateful to you. We cannot thank you enough. Kwara people are grateful to you and would always have your back now and always.
Kayode Alabi advised Kwarans not to panic charging them to stay calm making a promise that the Government will do everything to keep them safe emphasizing the need for the people to play their roles while plays its own part.
He said: “Stay at home. Keep social distancing. Avoid crowd. Prioritize personal hygiene. And please do not spread unverified news. Claims that one of the two suspected COVID-19 cases has died is false, they both remain stable and asymptomatic at this time.”
