By Mike ALADENIKA.
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, flagged off the second phase of coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination exercise, with restriction order on mass gatherings across the state.
Obaseki, who spoke during the flag-off, at the Government House in Benin City, said those without proof of vaccination will not be allowed access to public places.
According to the governor, "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 haven taken at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination. People who have not yet been vaccinated at all will depend on remote access to these gatherings".
"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 centers, 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,” the governor noted.
Obaseki said his administration will continue to strictly enforce all non-pharmaceutical measures to contain the pandemic in the state, adding that activities to mark Edo's 30th year anniversary have been scaled down significantly in compliance with COVID-19 protocols.
He said the new regulation is not to create hardship for the people but to protect their lives and livelihood while the pandemic lasts, assuring citizens that the “vaccine is available and free for all. We will not abandon you at this time of the pandemic.”
Noting that the pandemic is in its third wave in Nigeria, with its Delta variant having devastating effects around the world, the governor reassured the government’s commitment to ensure the health and safety of Edo people.
He noted: "In Edo State, the data is very clear, as we have collected 6,306 samples, with 203 confirmed cases and four deaths in the third wave. 96 percent of all confirmed cases are those not vaccinated and 100 percent of deaths are those not vaccinated; it shows the importance of vaccination.
"The pandemic has come to stay as it is clear that, intermittently, other waves will occur. As such, it is wise for us all to embrace vaccination as a way of surviving this pandemic.
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