The Edo State Government has warned owners of event centres, eateries, restaurants, pubs, shopping malls and other places hosting social events in the state against violating the state’s COVID-19 prevention protocols.
In a statement signed on Saturday by the Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie, the government said event centres or business premises that violate regulations on social gatherings would be shut and owners or operators would be prosecuted at designated mobile courts.
Ogie noted that the state COVID-19 compliance team had been mandated to ensure strict enforcement of the directives at the weekend, starting from Friday, February 19, 2021, with instructions to ensure full compliance with the protocols.
“The Edo State Government hereby warns all event centres, eateries, restaurants, pubs, shopping malls and all centres hosting social events, that anyone who violates the state’s coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention protocols in the course of carrying out their businesses will be made to face consequences prescribed by the laws of the state,” he said.
He added that all facilities hosting events at the weekend must be equipped with handwashing equipment, enforce compulsory and proper use of facemasks and ensure social distancing by attendants.
“Worship centres are also enjoined to ensure that their services are held in compliance with the protocols, so as to protect their members from the disease,” he said.
The measure, he said “is in line with the government’s resolve to halt the spread of the disease and protect Edo citizens from the pandemic.
“Government warns that any event centre or business premises that violates regulations on social gatherings will be shut and owners or operators would be prosecuted at designated mobile courts.”
“We reiterate the need for the general public to adhere to the state’s COVID-19 protocols in order to rid this dreaded virus from our state.”
