Borno State government suspends its lockdown claiming numbers of infected people are falling

BORNO State government has suspended the lockdown imposed on non-essential movement following significant progress in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic that has resulted in infection figures falling.

 

Although Borno State is still number six in terms of states with the highest number of affected persons in Nigeria, the infection rate has slowed down over the last week. As of today, the state has recorded 188 cases of the virus, of which there have been 20 deaths but deputy governor Umar Kadafur, who doubles as the chairman of the state’s Covid-19 response team, said the infection rate is falling.

 

Alhaji Kadafur said: “In furtherance of the efforts to contain and eradicate this deadly scourge, the high-powered committee wishes to announce the indefinite suspension of the lockdown for the time being. Henceforth, Jumma’at prayers and five daily prayers shall be observed in all mosques as recommended by the Borno State Council of Ulamas.

 

“Churches shall also conduct services as recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria. All congregations must be observed based on strict principles of Covid-19 preventive measures which included social distancing, the use of face mask and of hand sanitizers.”

 

He attributed the successes recorded in the state to the stringent measures adopted to contain the virus, which the deputy governor said had yielded the desired results. According to Alhaji Kadafur, the suspension of lockdown was to study the situation and he noted that the government will not hesitate to revert to the status quo if the pandemic escalates.

 

Alhaji Kadafur declared that the use of facemasks in all public places is mandatory across Borno State following the easing of the restrictions. He directed all government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community and opinion leaders to adhere strictly to the principle of social/physical distancing in places of worship and social gatherings.

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