Blank NEWS Online (NIGERIA) – From Michael EKOKORUWE:
Enforcement committee led by Chief Efe O. Okolosi, Chairman COVID 19 NCDC protocol enforcement committee, Isoko South, has arrested 21 persons at Oleh, Isoko South local government area of Delta State for flouting facemask and overloading directives as COVID 19 pandemic positive cases increased in nine local government areas of Delta State.
Speaking to news correspondents, Chief Okolosi stated that the recent surges of COVID 19 pandemic in Delta State informed the decision for the enforcement towards effective compliance to curtail the rate of spread in the area.
He noted that since the lockdown was relaxed, so many persons felt the pandemic is over and has been nonchalant in keeping the precautionary measures of NCDC.
Okolosi maintained that the number of persons arrested was through a combined team of the police, vigilante and officers of Isoko South environment health, adding that a mobile court stationed at the council premises collects stipulated amount from defaulters which varies according to offence committed.
He said, flouting facemask is N2, 000.00, overloading by vehicles, keke and Okada is N2, 000.00 while hand washing facilities offenders pays N5, 000.00 accordingly. Okolosi added that burial and other social gathering attracts penalties which according to him are spelt out in the local government mobile court tariff.
The committee chairman stated that the enforcement team is segmented in groups and are in strategic locations towards ensuring effective compliance of the people in the area. He noted that the team commenced enforcement at Oleh and Irri metropolis and will move to other communities of Isoko South local government area.
Efe Okolosi emphasized that more sensitization for compliance to NCDC directives in markets, through Christian Association of Nigeria (C.A.N.) Isoko chapter, using information network will be carried out, adding that the enforcement will curb further spread of the virus from infecting more people in the area.
