Akwa Ibom State Government said it has directed the state Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal, to enforce compulsory use of facemask in all the rural communities in the State.
The Secretary to State Government and Chairman, COVID-19 Management Committee, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, who announced this on Monday during a press briefing at government house, noted that government instructed village heads, youth presidents and local government council chairmen to ensure compliance.
According to the SSG, “We have noticed with dismay, the manifest flouting of the regulation requiring the use of face masks. As a responsible government, we must act to curb the spread of the virus and protect our citizens and residents.
“To this end, the Governor has directed the State Commissioner of Police to order the monitoring teams to enforce this protocol to the later. We have coordinated village heads, youth presidents and local government council Chairmen to ensure enforcement of use of facemask and strict adherence to other Covid-19 protocols in rural communities in the state.”
He added that civil servants across the state have been warned to use their facemasks else would no longer be permitted into their respective offices.
The SSG further added that anyone caught defaulting the order would be detained for some hours so as to serve as deterrent to others.
“We urge our citizens to take personal responsibility by properly wearing their face masks and maintaining social distancing. All citizens and residents are urged to comply with the AKSG/NCDC/WHO COVID-19 Guidelines and protocols,” he said.
Giving update on the spread of the virus so far in the state, Ekuwem said, “Our statistics as at yesterday are: Total tests conducted – 1721, Total number of confirmed cases – 250, Total number of recoveries – 208, Total number of active cases – 34Total number of deaths – 8.”
