COVID-19: Gombe State Closes All Entry Points, Suspends Public Gatherings
…As Governor Yahaya commits over N500 million to fight Coronavirus
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, IN GOMBE – As part of measures aimed at curtailing the spread of COVID-19, the Gombe State government has announced the suspension of interstate travels and commuting from, through or to Gombe state with effect from Sunday, March 29, 2020.
It also prohibited public and social gatherings in the state just as civil servants on grade levels 1‐12 have been restricted and ordered to work from home until further notice.
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, who stated this at a press conference at the new banquet hall of the Government House in Gombe on Friday, said the order instructing civil servants on grade levels 1‐12 will come into effect from Monday next week.
Governor Yahaya however said that the work at home order excludes civil servants on essential duties such as those working in hospitals, Fire Service department, Water Board and Electricity workers.
In his words; “Government has also resolved to implement some measures to curb the spread of the deadly disease as follows: All public gatherings are hereby suspended in the state until further notice; Interstate travels/ commuting by public/private mass transport agencies and operators will be suspended from Sunday 29th March, 2020″
“Civil servants from grade levels 1-12 should work from their homes for 2 weeks from Monday, 30th March, 2020. However, this order does not affect officers on essential services, e.g. health workers, fire service, water and power supply etc; and all social life outfits like clubs, bear parlours, etc have been suspended with immediate effect.”
The governor further said that the precautionary measures became necessary in order to halt the possible spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state and to guarantee the general wellbeing of the people.
Yahaya called on members of the public to continue to observe protective measures such as maintaining social distance and personal hygiene which have been proven to be effective in the control of the dreaded virus.
While reiterating his administration’s commitment towards the prevention and control of the Coronavirus pandemic, Governor Yahaya said that though there is no confirmed case in Gombe state, the Government has so far identified four isolation centres across the state. They include; Specialist Hospital, Gombe and Kwadon Cottage Hospital while Kaltungo and Bajoga General Hospitals are on standby in case the two centres are overwhelmed.
He appealed to traditional rulers and religious leaders, youth groups, civil society and non-governmental organisations in state to join the government in the sensitization campaign on the dangers of the pandemic and the need to adhere to professional advice on ways to prevent or control it.
While answering questions from journalists, Governor Yahaya said his administration has committed over N500m to the fight against coronavirus.
He said; “I have already approved N295 million for the State Taskforce on covid-19 for the purchase of hospital equipment to be used for setting up of the isolation centres and purchase of essential facilities and equipment”.
“Another N200 million has also been approved for Local Government Councils of the State to ensure that the Coronavirus is contained at the Local Government level through advocacy and enlightenment campaigns.
“Prior to the setting up of the Taskforce on the covid-19, the state Government had released the sum of N80 million to the ministry of Health for the purchase of hospital consumables and relevant items,” Governor Yahaya announced as contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ismaila Uba Misilli.
