[Updated] COVID-19: Kwara govt announces total lockdown

The Kwara State government has announced the total shut down of the entire state with effect from 6pm on Friday.

The government said a total lockdown was necessary to flatten the curve of transmission at this time.

The new measure, in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, banned all vehicular movement, including private vehicles, all manners of shops and markets.

Foodstuff sellers and operators of medicine shops are allowed to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 10 and 2pm.

The government said violators of the pronouncement may face prosecution in line with the state regulations on the pandemic — except vehicles carrying goods and services such as food and drugs and categories earlier exempted in a recent address by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The statement reads in part, “The government hereby bans all vehicular movements, including private and commercial vehicles, from 6p.m. tomorrow, Friday 10 April, 2020.

“The only exceptions are commercial trucks carrying goods and services who would operate with absolute respect for social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols. All kinds of shops, bars, pubs, and markets are hereby shut until further notice. Markets where foods and medications are sold will open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 10 a.m. and 2p.m.

“Contractors working on government projects are allowed to proceed to work with no more than 20 workers on site at one time.

“The total lockdown is for initial 14 days and may be reviewed as government monitors the situation.”

The government however said previous restrictions remain and would be enforced.