…Establishes Mobile Courts
Richard Ginika Izuora
The Anambra State Government has set up Mobile Courts to try individuals violating Face Mask guidelines.
Consequently, the government has imposed sanctions ranging from N10,000 fine on violators.
According to C. Don Adinuba, Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, “Since wearing of face coverings in public became compulsory in Anambra State as part of the strategy to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a growing number of our people have been complying with the directive. This is a good development.
“However, the state government notes that the face masks are often not worn appropriately. There are people who wear theirs on the chins and some on their jaws. There are individuals who wear the face masks to cover their mouths but not their nostrils. None of these practices is proper.”
Adinuba, maintains that the face mask must always cover the mouth and the nose, explaining that, “This is because coronavirus enters our system through such orifices as the eye, the nostril and the mouth. This is why some people wear not just face masks which cover their mouths and noses but also face shields which cover their eyes, in addition.”
The Commissioner noted that the compulsory and proper adorning of face masks in public places in Anambra State is done in the interest of every individual in the state, insisting that “COVID 19 is real. It has killed nine persons in our state and a number of Anambra individuals outside the state. The victims include old people and youths of both genders.”
He said that the government does not want more of our people to get infected by this highly contagious disease, let alone die of it.
“Consequently, the government is establishing mobile courts in different parts of the state to try those who contravene the new law on COVID-19 like individuals who do not wear face coverings or do not wear them properly. The punishments include payment of up to N10,000 fine and performance of community service.”
To check the spread of coronavirus in the state and ensure that Anambra remains the safest state in Nigeria, including in health matters, the Commissioner reminded ndi Anambra once again, of the imperative to keep social distancing of six feet, wash hands frequently with soap, water and sanitizer, avoid handshakes and embraces and, of course wear face masks in the right way anytime we are in public.