…Government bans daily market
…Gives two days concession
…7am to 7pm curfew subsists
Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has announced the automatic employment of three workers – two health officers and one driver who contracted the deadly novel coronavirus virus in the state.
Speaking at a weekly news briefing held at Government’s House Ground, Alagbaka Akure, the governor also approved new special hazard allowances for health workers in the state as a result of their roles in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
The three affected workers who are casual staff at the State Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) contracted the virus in the line of duty.
The three infected workers are among the thirteen cases so far recorded in the state.
“I must quickly express our deep solidarity with the brave workers at our Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH) who, in the course of saving other people’s lives contracted this deadly disease.
“Both the driver who carries samples to Test Centres outside the State and the two casual workers in the wards took the highest risk in helping their fellow human being. They are our heroes.
“To live in service of humanity in preserving social existence and continuity, is perhaps the greatest sacrifice for mankind.
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“These three individuals are junior workers in that establishment, yet their contributions are critical and very essential to all our operations to fight COVID–19.
“They faced the daily risks of worst dimension with candour. At the end, they are infected with the deadly Virus.
“I want their families and loved ones to know that Ondo State Government stands firmly with them and will walk with them through these difficult times until they recover and fully get back their daily lives. Their tribulation is our burden and their total recovery will be our joy.
“To further demonstrate our understanding and total commitment to supporting the frontline risk bearers, I have directed immediate absorption into the public service of the infected casual workers at the IDH.
“I have also approved that all Health workers in the state be paid 50% of their consolidated basic salary as hazard allowance.
“Furthermore, all healthcare workers working directly in the Isolation Centre/Treatment Centre are to get additional 20% of their 50% as special risk allowance, they will also get a top-up lump sum from the funds of the PTF (amount yet to be determined),” Akeredolu disclosed.
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Meanwhile, the governor has placed a ban on daily major and community market activities across the state.
“Out of seven days in a week, concession is however given for only two days of market activities to enable restocking of food items and beverages for families. The days approved are Tuesdays and Thursdays of every week.
“Nobody should therefore be seen within the market premises on unapproved days. This ban does not however affect corner shops and shop window outlets within residences.
“There is also a ban on non-food item on parade on the approved days. Such non food items which draw unnecessary crowd into the markets include but are not limited to fabrics, jewelleries, cosmetics, shoes, furniture, decorations, books and stationery, phone and electronics, beer parlours and pleasure centres and others in such category. For avoidance of doubt, the Oja Oba, Isinkan, Iloro, Isolo, in Akure and their equivalents across the state will remain shut in accordance with the approved schedules earlier stated.
“Meanwhile the main perishable food supply depot in each of the city centres in the state will only open for business on Monday, Wednesday and Friday every week. The essence is to protect and preserve the fragile and perishable survival food item like tomatoes, Pepper, vegetables and others, transported nationally under special concession by the federal Government.
“In other words, only Shasha and Iloro markets in Akure and their equivalents across the state will open for business on the basis of the three day concession.
“To ensure synergy and an assurance of reasonable success of the overall goal, I have also directed the Interministerial committee to step up its engagement with community and authorised leaders of our markets in weekly reviews of activities and success,” he said.
The governor also noted that the curfew in the state in still in place.
“As currently obtains, the 7pm to 7am curfew subsists. It will remain our home-grown measure in consonance with the general guideline presented by the Federal Government recently.
“All business premises, except pharmacies and patent drug and dressing outlets, banks and food chain supermarkets, will remain shut and inaccessible to business and physical interaction until further notice. All worship centres and community sporting activities will remain inoperative as well.
“To demonstrate our commitment to full compliance, security agencies and Government Task force on implementation have been further energised and authorised to deal fully with offenders in accordance with the law,” Akeredolu hinted.
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