The Oyo State Government, on Wednesday, said it may impose travel restrictions at its entry points as part of measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus in the state.
The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, Dr. Akin Fagbemi, gave the indication during an interview at the COVID 19 Situation Room in Ibadan.
Fagbemi said the state government would only allow essential travels into the state as travellers would be subjected to health checks.
He said, “All entry points into Oyo State (land and airways) may soon be closed. Entry and transit by vehicles would be subjected to robust health check of all passengers.”
He said OYRTMA had prepared for the challenging times, adding that efforts were in place for close monitoring of state’s borders.
Noting that the transportation sector could be a major medium for spending COVID-19 if not properly managed, Fagbemi urged transport companies, transport unions and terminal operators to keep a travel manifest for inbound and outbound passengers with verified phone numbers.
He advised them to provide hand-wash stands and sanitizers in the garages, saying that recalcitrant passengers should not be allowed to board if they fail to comply with the hygiene procedures.
“Relevant enforcement officials would be authorised to enforce compliance while defaulters will be arrested.”, he added.
Fagbemi added that commercial motorcycle operation would be suspended to ensure compliance with the social distancing procedure.
The agency said it would collaborate with security agencies to enforce compliance to preventive measures in the state.
Meanwhile, the state government has directed all civil and public officers in the state who are indisposed to stay off work.
This came as the government restricted undue movements of personnel from office to office within the Ministries, Department and Agencies.
According to a circular issued and signed by the Permanent Secretary (Service Matters) on behalf of the state Head of Service, Mrs Ololade Agboola, no worker in the state should entertain visitors in their offices.
The circular titled, ‘Covid 19: Directive for civil/public servants,’ reads in part, “I am directed to refer to the current Coronavirus which has become a pandemic ravaging the human race and the deliberate measures that have been deployed by the state government.
“The state government has advised all civil/public servants to adhere strictly to restrict unnecessary movement of officers from one office to another within and outside the ministries, departments and agencies.
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“Discourage entertainment of visitors at this point in time in all government offices. Security personnel at the secretariat gates have been mandated to discourage all visitors entrance to the secretariat. Only essential visitors on government business with evidence will be allowed entrance.
“Civil/public officers who are indisposed are advised to stay at home with due permission from their respective superiors and comply with medical directives. Adhere to the general guidelines on Covid-19; practice social distancing as a matter of necessity in all gatherings.”
It added that gatherings should be limited to 30 persons or less, adding, “Be wary of misinformation flying around on the pandemic and stay safe.
“While hoping that this global infection would be put out soonest, you are encouraged to maintain decorum. Kindly give the content of the circular the widest publicity it deserves.“
