Kaduna Governor El-Rufai eases lockdown

Days after Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai made announcements on the 30-day total lockdown in the state, he has decided to ease the lockdown.

The announcement was made via the state government micro-blogging site, Twitter.

El-Rufai said the restriction of movement in the state will be relaxed from 8am to 6pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting from today April 29.

Residents wearing face masks will be allowed go to pharmacies, shops and markets selling foods, so as to restock.

The traders must also wear face masks, and their customers are expected to observe social distancing.

All markets will be closed after Wednesday to be replaced by temporary neighbourhood markets which will commence operations this Saturday.

Sellers of food and medicines will be allocated spaces in public schools facilities so that they can serve specific neighbourhoods.

On Sunday 26 April, Governor El-Rufai extended the quarantine orders being enforced in the state for another 30 days.

El-Rufai’s decision follows a recommendation to that effect by the State Standing Committee on Covid-19, which is led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe.

With Covid-19 cases rising rapidly in other states and the FCT, also with strong evidence of interstate travel being a major means of spreading the pandemic, the Standing Committee’s evaluation is that measures to protect residents of Kaduna State require further strengthening and strong enforcement.