-
Says comply with protocols or face another lockdown
BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, GOMBE – The Government of Gombe State has warned residents of the state to ensure strict compliance with all prescribed protocols to contain COVID-19 pandemic or risk facing another lockdown.
The government’s warning is against the backdrop of the public nonchalance in observing existing safety and preventive health protocols across the North East state.
Deputy Governor and Chairman of Gombe State COVID-19 Management Committee, Dr Manasseh Daniel Jatau, said government will not hesitate to enforce harsher measures, including total lockdown if residents’ compliance level to safety protocols in the State fails to improve.
Briefing newsmen on the virus upsurge as well as government’s efforts and readiness at containing its spread, Dr Jatau said it is now mandatory for everyone to wear facemasks while entering any public place, including worship places, markets and shops.
He further listed eight other protocols that must be adhered to by members of the public and also placed four emergency call lines that the public could access at any time.
The Deputy Governor also warned the leadership of various organizations, market, religious, traditional and other organized groups that they will be held responsible for their members’ non-compliance to all existing COVID-19 protocols.
He disclosed that the government is worried about recording 39 confirmed deaths since the virus outbreak in the State on March 27, 2020, warning that “there is resurgence of COVID-19 termed ‘second wave’ that is considered more dangerous than the first one.”
The Deputy Governor further said; “Already, 1,449 confirmed cases have been recorded with 1,143 discharges, 267 active cases and 39 deaths in the State from March 27th, 2020, when the State started conducting tests to January 06, 2021.”
According to him, “there is the urgent need to take measures aimed at ensuring that all protocols are observed in the day to day activities of people.”
Dr Jatau therefore urged the people to support government in fighting virus spread, cautioning that; “there is available evidence of community transmission in the State resulting from interactions during festive periods.”
