COVID-19: Enugu shuts schools, suspends social gatherings, others

TRACKING____Following worsening coronavirus epidemic in Nigeria and across the globe, Enugu State Government, yesterday banned all form of social and political gatherings in the state until further notice.

The ban was announced by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi during a state-wide broadcast at the Enugu Government House.

He equally announced that civil servants and public servants would henceforth work from home.

Ugwuanyi said with immediate effect, all education institutions in the state stood closed as “public officers/civil servants to work from home till further notice except health workers, forest guards, neighbourhood watch personnel, water corporation’s staff, waste management operatives, staff of Enugu State Emergency Management Agency, Fire fighters and those involved in essential services.”

He said in addition to the above measures, there would now be suspension of “marriage and burial ceremonies, masquerade festivals, drinking bars, night clubs and all group sporting and recreational activities.”

Ugwuanyi went on: “All public transport operators in the state are to observe the following rules on passenger conveyance:

“Keke- not more than two passengers, commuter buses- not more than two passengers per seat, city cab- not more than 3 passengers.

“All public places to observe high level of hygiene by use of sanitizers and frequent hand washing as earlier advised by the Enugu State Ministry of Health.

“The law enforcement agencies in the state have been directed to enforce strict compliance with the above stated measures.”

Meanwhile, the State House of Assembly has confirmed three commissioner-nominees sent by Ugwuanyi on 17th March, 2020.

Their confirmation followed smooth screening at the floor of the Assembly in Enugu yesterday.

The commissioners screened included Emeka Mamah, Manfred Nzekwe and Uchechukwu Ogbonna, who replaced Uche Ogbodo, whose nomination was withdrawn by Ugwuanyi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the commissioners were asked to take a bow and leave due to the fear of COVID-19.

In his remark after the confirmation, Speaker Edward Ubosi asked the commissioners to justify their appointment by being dedicated to portfolios that would be assigned to them.

Ubosi urged them to complement the efforts of the governor in the area of development of the state.

However, the House has adjourned to 21st April, 2020 to enable members prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

The speaker also directed civil servants in the Assembly below Level 12 to stay away from work.

Ubosi said the state government was doing everything possible to curb the spread of the virus.

He advised the public not to create panic in the state by spreading fake information about the virus but should rather adhere to measures that would prevent them from contracting the COVID-19.

A member representing Oji River Constituency, Mr. Jeff Mba, said the adjournment would enable the lawmakers to sensitise their constituents on how to prevent spread of the virus.

While noting that the virus was not in the state, Mba urged all to join hands with the state government to ensure that COVID-19 did not enter the state.