Coronavirus: Kwara shuts borders, makes plan for fumigation of markets

The Kwara state government has ordered the closure of its borders as a measure against the spread of coronavirus.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Kayode Alabi, deputy governor of the state, said the border closure would not affect those carrying out essential duties.

“The government hereby announces the shutting down of all our land borders to ban movement to the state from elsewhere,” he said.

“The only exemption to this rule are those stated in the address of Mr President. Specifically, these are vehicles carrying agricultural produce, medical equipment, and officials on essential duties related to COVID-19 campaign.

“All previous restrictions and exemptions locally remain in force. A specific warning here goes to commercial motorcycles (Okada) who have been violating the shutdown orders. Any violators caught would face the full consequences of the law.”

Alabi also said that the government would begin fumigation of markets and other specific locations and thereafter, specific markets would be designated for people to make essentials purchase like food and medicines.

“The government has approved the fumigation of our markets and other specific places,” Alabi said.

“200 fumigating machines have been purchased for this purpose. This should begin latest April 2, 2020, to decontaminate these places.

“Thereafter, specific markets in the state would be designated and announced for people to purchase foodstuffs and other essentials only. Public transportation (Soludero buses) will be made available with strict adherence to social distancing and other preventive protocols.”

The deputy governor expressed gratitude to all those who have made various donations to the administration to help curb the pandemic, specifically Sadiq Umar, Kwara north senator;  Lateef Fagbemi, a senior advocate of Nigeria; Unifoam group, and Rajrab pharmaceuticals.

He said the government  has already purchased “15 million litres of sanitisers, 40,000 litres of anti-virus solution, and 200 infrared thermometers.”

“Similarly, 121 oxygen cylinders have been filled and deployed to Sobi Specialist Hospital, while 500-KVA transformer has just been installed to provide constant electricity there,” he said.

Alabi said the Sobi Specialist Hospital is being evacuated to be dedicated entirely as COVID-19 response centre.