TheCable

The Ogun government has announced a ban on gatherings of 50 or more persons amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The announcement was made in a statement by Kunle Somorin, chief press secretary to Dapo Abiodun, governor of the state.

The second confirmed case recorded in Nigeria, who later tested negative, is from Ogun. The patient was said to have had close contact with the Italian index case who visited Lafarge Africa plc plant in Ewekoro area of the state.

In a statement, Somorin said the ban which would last 30 days in the first instance, takes immediate effect. He said it affects gatherings in places like cinemas, night clubs, restaurants, cafes and sports arenas.

Somorin said the ban was meant to complement measures that have been taken by the government to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state.

“The restriction has to be enforced without prejudice to people’s fundamental rights to association and movement because the safety of our people and their welfare are priorities that cannot be toyed with,” he said.

“The government will continue to engage all the stakeholders including religious leaders to sensitise the populace on the need to maintain social distance and collective effort to combat the pandemic.

“The Ogun government will continue the surveillance initiatives and intensify sensitisation on COVID-19. This is more so given the peculiarity of its location as the nation’s gateway state and industrial capital.

“Our epidemiologists and other health workers are working round the clock with federal agencies and international development agencies to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“In view of the recent confirmed cases in the country, Gov. Abiodun reassures the populace that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that the state is prepared at all times to respond appropriately.”

Somorin urged the people of the state to report any suspected case to the appropriate authorities.

Earlier, the Lagos state government banned religious gathering of over 50 worshippers to curtail the spread of the virus.

The government explained that the number was pegged at 50 because it would be easier to trace 50 people if the need arises.

Nigeria recorded five more cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to eight.

As part of measures to prevent the spread of the disease, the federal government restricted public officials from foreign trips and placed travel ban on 13 countries, including China, the UK and the US.

It also advised Nigerians to cancel all travels abroad, especially to all high-risk countries.