TheCable

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, says the state will soon announce restrictions for unvaccinated persons, especially as it relates to public gatherings.

The governor said this on Monday, while flagging off the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise in the state.

Obaseki added that those who cannot show proof of taking at least one dose of the COVID vaccine may not be allowed to worship in mosques and churches.

He added that such restrictions will also extend to banks and event centres.

“Beginning from the second week of September 2021, large gatherings, as well as high traffic public and private places, will only be accessed by persons who have proof of taking at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. People who have not yet been vaccinated at all will depend on remote access to these gatherings,” he said.

“From the second week of September, people may not be allowed to worship in churches and mosques without showing proof of their vaccination cards at the gates. Similarly, people will not be allowed to event centres, receptions or parties, without showing proof of their vaccination cards.

“People will not be allowed to access banking services from the middle of September 2021, if they are not vaccinated.

“We have made adequate arrangements with security agencies to prevent anybody who doesn’t have vaccination cards to access any of these places. We are doing this to protect our citizens and all these measures will remain until the pandemic passes away.”

Obaseki said his administration will continue to strictly enforce all non-pharmaceutical measures to contain the pandemic in the state.

He said the new regulation is not to create hardship, but to protect lives while the pandemic lasts, and assured citizens that the “vaccine is available and free for all”.

“We will not abandon you at this time of the pandemic,” he added.