TheCable

Governors in the south-west have agreed to shut their borders and to make wearing of face masks compulsory to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the region.

Governors of the six states in the region reached the decision during a virtual meeting.

Rotimi Akeredolu, chairman of the south-west governors forum, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday.

“The entry points of our six states be closed forthwith to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

“The state governors agreed that people involved in essential services or dealing in medicine, water and consumable items in particular traders and market men/women should endeavour to wear face masks while outside plying their trade, to minimise the spread of the deadly virus.

“The governors further agreed that wearing of face masks would be made compulsory for everybody coming out of their homes effective from Friday, April 24, 2020 in their respective states.”

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 had blamed the spread of the virus on interstate travel, saying it has led to community spread of the disease.