Breaking: Governor El-Rufai Extends COVID-19 Lockdown In Kaduna For 30 Days

Governor Nasir El-Rufai has extended COVID-19 lockdown in Kaduna State for 30 days.

Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement issued by Governor El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye on Sunday, April 26. Kaduna State has recorded 10 cases of the coronavirus disease so far.

The statement reads as thus; “The governor’s extension decision followed the recommendation of the State Standing Committee on COVID-19 chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe.

“The increasing record of coronavirus cases in neighbouring cities, especially Abuja called for stiffer measures to be taken to curb the spread of the pandemic.

“The lockdown extension is effective Sunday, April 26, 2020. The two-day window during which the lockdown is relaxed has been reduced to one day; Wednesdays.

“All persons that venture out of their homes for whatever reason must wear facemasks and observe social distancing everywhere they go, in markets and in authorised vehicles.

“All residents of Kaduna State are quarantined and must stay at home. No office, event centre, market, shop or business of any sort or place of worship is allowed to open.

“The only category of persons exempted are workers in essential services such as health workers, the fire service, water corporation, electricity distribution and security personnel. Tankers conveying fuel to petrol stations are also permitted to move.

“Businesses in the food and pharmaceutical value-chain are exempted and shall enjoy the protection accorded to other essential services.

“Schools, places of worship, event centres, sports grounds, bars, restaurants, public parks and all other places where large crowds could gather are to remain closed until further notice.”

“No visitor is welcome in the state during the pandemic. Mobile courts have been empowered to try violators and impose the prescribed penalties, including fines, imprisonment and forfeiture of vehicles, upon conviction,” the statement added.