Cross River State Governor, Prof Ben Ayade, has recalled workers of the state-owned Garment Factory back to work to mass-produce face and nose masks as part of measures to contain the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
The workers have been asked to resume work on Tuesday, March 31, 2020 after the factory had been disinfected Monday.
The workers were sent home in line with the partial lockdown declared by the governor last week to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ayade told newsmen Monday at the industrial park, Calabar, that it became imperative for the garment factory workers to return to work in view of the urgent need to tackle the deadly virus.
“The garment factory workers are being recalled for mass production of nose/mouth masks in order to stem this pandemic. As the workers return to start mass production of the masks, we will ensure that they keep a reasonable distance from one another in keeping with the industrial distancing protocol.
“Proper fumigation of the factory has been carried out preparatory to the resumption of the workers,” he said.
The governor said the returning garment factory workers will be properly kitted to ensure that they are fit for the purpose in addition to being paid special allowances.
“We are going to reduce the number of workers per shift and they will keep a distance of not less than five metres. We are producing the masks for distribution to our most vulnerable people,” he said.
“We also are providing medical services to most vulnerable Cross Riverians.I’m equally activating the Cross River state food bank to ensure that we deliver food to most vulnerable in view of the lockdown.”
Meanwhile, the governor has set up another 15-man COVID-19 response team, which has the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Betta Edu as Chairman.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the governor, Christian Ita,
“The committee is divided into various sub-committees with their chairmen.The committee will be inaugurated Tuesday, March 31, 2020.”
