Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has urged residents of the states to be aware that the dreaded COVID-19 virus is still very much around, as they celebrate Christmas.
The governor in a Christmas message on Thursday, said the 2020 Christmas is a peculiar one when considered from the background of the global experience with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Akeredolu stressed the need for an increased and optimal level of compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures outlined by the Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 and the National Centre for Disease Control.
The Governor in his address to the people of the state on the occasion of Christmas and New Year celebration enjoined the people to as a matter of utmost priority, correctly and consistently wear face masks while in the public space, wash hands with water and soap or use hand sanitisers constantly, avoid crowds and maintain physical distancing.
He added that anyone who fails to comply with the preventive measures put in place by the government runs a great risk as the government has directed that strict monitoring of compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures must take place from now on.
“As we celebrate the Christmas and New Year events this year, we urge you to do so safely and responsibly so that we do not further increase the spread of the COVID-19 infection.
“To curb the spread of COVID-19 in our State and country, we need an increased and optimal level of compliance with the COVID-19 preventive measures outlined by our Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 and the National Centre for Disease Control.
“With a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of our people, we signed into law the Ondo State Dangerous Infectious Diseases (COVID-19 Emergency Prevention Regulation) on 31st March 2020. Section 18 of the law stipulates a fine of N20,000 or a jail term of three months or both as a penalty for failure to comply with due preventive measures.”
“We, however, cannot and must not forget in a hurry those of our beloved brothers and sisters who unfortunately lost their lives to the COVID-19 infection this year. May their souls rest in perfect peace.
“My family and I, and the entire members of our government sincerely sympathise with their loved ones left behind and pray for God’s continued comfort for them.”
Governor Akeredolu also disclosed that the state will continue to observe the curfew instituted by the Federal Government from 10.00pm to 4.00am.
