Breaking: Akeredolu declares 7 to 7 curfew in Ondo

In a bid to curtail the further spread of the killer Covid-19 pandemic in Ondo State, the executive Governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu has declared a curfew of 7pm to 7am in the state.

Akeredolu said the curfew which takes effect from today will corroborate the restriction of movement and total closure of markets in the State until further notice to check further spread of the virus.

The Governor, while addressing newsmen at government house ground in Akure, said the order became imperative of the frightening dimension of COVID- 19 saying the latest case has a tendency for community transmission.

He stressed that it is disheartening despite the massive media advocacy, there have been serious flouting of precautionary measures.

However, in a statement issued after addressing the press, the state government vowed to arrest and detain individuals found to have breached government’s directives on restriction of movement of persons and goods, operation of business premises and community markets, religious gatherings and public bars and other social activities within the state.

The statement read in part;

Press Statement

WE ARE INSTITUTING A CURFEW IN ONDO STATE FROM TODAY 14TH APRIL 2020

Today, we took more stringent measures to ensure compliance to the regulations we passed in order to control the spread of COVID-19 in Ondo State.

Henceforth we will be imposing a curfew from 7pm to 7am everyday with effect from today 14th April, 2020 until further notice

We will arrest and detain individuals found to have breached government’s directives on restriction of movement of persons and goods, operation of business premises and community markets, religious gatherings and public bars and other social activities within the state.

The only exceptions are where food and medical items are sold with total compliance to social and physical distancing rules.

We will arrest and detain individuals and goods being transported into Ondo State through our borders in breach of extant directive on total closure of the borders.

The only exceptions allowed are for purposes of obtaining food, seeking emergency lifesaving or chronic medical attention or obtaining security passes for such journeys in accordance with our regulations.

The point must be made again that the fight against COVID-19 is a responsibility that will demand utmost seriousness & vigilance. There is the need for effective measure of containment, investigation, enforcement and control. We will not shy away from our duty to ensure same.