COVID-19: Ikpeazu orders use of face masks in public places in Abia

Okezie Ikpeazu, governor of Abia, has ordered the use of face masks by residents and all those visiting the state as a part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The governor premised his order on paragraph 15 (2) of the Abia state infectious diseases (emergency prevention) regulation 2020, and it takes effect from Wednesday.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Ikpeazu said face masks should be worn in places such as markets, petrol stations, shops and shopping malls.

He also ordered that hand sanitisers be put in all public places where residents may visit for religious or commercial purposes.

“In exercise of the powers conferred on me by paragraph 15(2) of the Abia state Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulation 2020 and other extant laws, I, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (PhD), Governor of Abia State hereby directs; That with effect from 15th day of April, 2020,” the governor said.

“All residents of Abia State and those visiting and or passing through Abia State shall wear authentic face masks in all public places such as markets, petrol stations, shops, shopping malls, event centers, bars, hotels, places of worship, educational institutions, prisons, offices etc.

“That all occupiers of premises where members of the public visit for commercial, ceremonial, religious, charity, and or educational purposes shall provide hand sanitizers and or running water with soap to enable visitors to these places sanitize and or wash their hands before entering the premises.”

The state has already begun fumigating public places to keep its residents safe from any infectious disease.

Fumigation of public places in Abia State ongoing simultaneously accros the State. pic.twitter.com/7rA9uSwRsi

— Sam Hart, mni (@hartng) April 14, 2020

So far, Abia has not recorded any case of COVID-19.