The Kaduna State Government has announced measures to help stem rising Covid-19 infections through voluntary mass compliance.
The state government calls for collective action with citizens to curb the infections without having to resort to extraordinary measures like a lockdown.
The government believes that mass compliance with Covid-19 prevention protocols should suffice to help reduce the rate of infections.
Amidst the reality of a second wave of Covid-19 infections, the Kaduna State seeks to prioritise public safety while preserving the ability of citizens to safely pursue their livelihoods.
Al residents of Kaduna State are urged to practice personal responsibility and abide with simple prevention measures.
The Covid-19 prevention measures are outlined in the FORWARD campaign:
a. Facemasks: it is mandatory to wear facemasks when outside the house
b. Observing physical distancing
C. Respiratory hygiene: Maintain a proper respiratory hygiene.
d. Wash hands with soap under running water and or using hand sanitizers
e. Avoid large gatherings and crowded spaces
f. Remain indoors when there is no need to be outdoors
g. Diet: eat balanced meals to boost immunity.
Voluntary compliance reflects personal responsibility and is the most sustainable response to this public health emergency. Citizens should wear facemasks because it is the right and safe thing to do, rather than
as something done merely to avoid the attention of law enforcement agencies.
Various stakeholders, including religious leaders, businesses, transporters and market unions, made commitments for continued compliance with Covid-19 protocols prior to the easing of the first lockdown in June 2020.
The state government is counting on the cooperation of our citizens in a collective effort to stop Covid-19.
Covid-19 regulations to be enforced. Many of the regulations in the Quarantine Order of 26th March 2020 were significantly relaxed in June 2020 to support the safe pursuit of livelihoods.
However, recent developments have compelled the state government to reinstate and tighten some of those provisions.
Accordingly, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has signed and authorised new regulations with effect from 17 December 2020, as follows:
It is mandatory to wear facemasks outside the house.
Organisations and individuals that allow people into their premises have the responsibility to enforce the no mask, no entry mandate.
Facemasks should be worn to cover both the nose and mouth.
Large gatherings are henceforth prohibited.
Civil servants below Grade Level 14 are to work from home from Monday 21, December 2020, subject to directives or summons by their supervisors who may require their presence in the office. The Head of Service will issue service-wide updates as required.
Businesses must provide thermometers for temperature checks, and sanitisers or hand-washing equipment and physical distancing measures within all facilities.
Places of worship must enforce facemasks, provide sanitisers and ensure physical distancing. The number of worshippers will be capped. Congregational worship should not exceed one hour.
Transport operators must reduce capacity to not more than two passengers per row and not more than 50% of capacity.
Supermarkets and providers of personal services such as hair dressing and barbing salons can remain open, but service providers and customers must use facemasks and limit the number of persons they admit and serve at any timne.
Hotels can remain open, but their restaurants and bars can offer only room service.
Event centres, Night clubs, Gyms and Bars and Lounges are to close until further notice.
Restaurants are restricted to takeaway services only.
All schools will remain closed until it is deemed safe to reopen.
The Kaduna State Government appeals for collective compliance with these measures to enable the state to tackle the new wave of Covid-19 infections while allowing citizens to safely continue the pursuit of livelihoods.
The state government taskforce and other agencies will help enforce these regulations. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these
measures depends on the exercise of personal responsibility and voluntary compliance with the protocols.
The government appeals to all residents to see Covid-19 prevention as a vital personal responsibility and to act accordingly.
Signed
Muyiwa Adekeye
Special Adviser (Media & Communication)
20th December 2020
