El-Rufai asks Kaduna residents to start wearing face masks in public

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna, has asked residents of the state to start wearing face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

In a broadcast after recovering from COVID-19, the governor said an amendment to the Quarantine Regulations had been issued.

He said the new rule requires everyone in the state to wear a face mask when going out of their houses or at workplace.

He said the state government would make free masks available for the poor and vulnerable groups, asking others who cannot afford it to get their “neighborhood tailor” to sew cloth masks for their use.

“I have issued another amendment to the Quarantine Regulations requiring everyone in the state to wear a face mask when going out of the home or workplace for any reason,” he said.

“The State Government is going to make these masks available free to the poor and vulnerable groups, and encourage everyone that can afford it to get their neighborhood tailor to sew cloth masks for their use. This will help protect them, their loved ones and everyone else from the spread of this disease.”

He appealed to the people to stay at home, observe social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and wash hands with soap and water regularly.

The governor expressed gratitude to God and the people for the “massive outpouring” of sympathy, prayers and support that followed his disclosure of the infection.

He also thanked his family members for standing by him and his deputy for directing the affairs of the state.

“My family not only went through the trauma of potentially losing a member, but also the risk of being infected as well,” he said.

“It was cheering to see the determined efforts of our Covid-19 Task Force chaired by the Deputy Governor, the officials of our Ministry of Health ably led by the Commissioner and our security/enforcement agencies, to manage and contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

“I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, for her reassuring leadership of our team in my absence.
“In this trying period, our senior officials have demonstrated admirable commitment and the flexibility to provide governance in circumstances that are so different from the old normal.”