President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday signed a law to check the
spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha,
disclosed this while handing over five ambulances donated by the
Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to the Federal Ministry
of Health on Wednesday in Abuja.
Mustapha said that the bill, titled “COVID-19 Health Protection
Regulations 2021”, is an exercise of the powers as conferred on the
president by Section 4 of the Quarantine Act.
“The regulations enforce physical distancing of at least two metres and
a regulation of the number of people to be admitted in an enclosed
environment
“In the exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 4 of the
Quarantine Act, Cap. Q2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010 and all
other powers enabling me in that behalf; and in consideration of the
urgent need to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigerians in the face
of the widespread and rising numbers of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria, I,
Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, hereby
make the following Regulations.”
“The first part of the new regulations imposes restrictions of
gatherings and enforces a physical distancing of not less than two
meters between persons at all times.
“The part also provides that no gathering of more than 50 persons shall
hold in an enclosed space, except for religious purposes, in which case
the gathering shall not exceed 50 per cent capacity of the space.
“All persons in public gatherings, whether in enclosed or open spaces,
shall adhere to the provisions of Part two of these Regulations.
“The provisions of these regulations may be varied by Guidelines and
Protocols as may be issued, from time to time, by the PTF on COVID-19 on
the recommendation of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC),”
the law reads.
“The second part of the law addresses operations of public places like
open markets, malls, supermarkets, shops, restaurants, hotels, event
centres, gardens, leisure parks, recreation centres, motor parks and
fitness centres.
“The law provides for wearing of face masks, hands washing, and the use
of hand sanitisers, amongst other regulations.
“It stipulates a penalty of a fine or a prison of six months for
offenders.
“The President said that the law takes immediate effect,” he explained.
Speaking on the donation, the PTF chairman said that the NNPC donated
the ambulances to the PTF as part of its support to Government-led
efforts in curbing the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the
country.
According to him, the ambulances donated will be used to support the
country’s response to the pandemic and the Emergency Operations Centres
to expand the current capacity for transportation of cases.
The SGF acknowledged the support of the NNPC in its fight against the
virus, saying “We are grateful to the NNPC for the donation of
ambulances to the PTF. We also thank all individuals and corporate
organisations that have continued to donate to the government’s effort
to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Meanwhile, Mustapha said that If Nigerians were exposed to COVID-19,
they should please quarantine and if there are still ill, they should
isolate.
“Please don’t go out – to work, socialize or elsewhere – if you’ve been
exposed or have symptoms.
“Travel is risky – best to avoid it if you can but if you must, take
precautions including quarantine and testing.
“Remember COVID-19 can spread from people that look and feel well. Don’t
let your guard down around friends or relatives just because they look
healthy – they may not know they are infected but can unintentionally
spread COVID-19,” he advised.
In his remarks, the Minister of State for Health, Sen. Olorunnimbe
Mamora, thank the NNPC for the ambulances and noted that emergency
medical situations require a prompt response and any delay could have
serious consequences.
Mamora said that the ambulances would strengthen the efforts of the
ministry to respond to the health needs of Nigerians, as patients would
be able to receive first aid support while on route to the nearest
health facility. (NAN)