Kaduna State Government has urged people to wait for the guidelines to ease the lockdown of different segments of the society and economy in the state.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, made the plea in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna.
Balarabe said publication of the guidelines would soon be out, adding that it would be followed by ‘’a formal announcement on the re-opening of permitted sectors’’.
She recalled that the state government had last week extended the Quarantine Orders by additional two weeks during which stakeholders would be consulted on the conditions for a safe re-opening of the state.
“Further to that commitment, the state government has initiated consultations with traditional rulers, business community, market and transport unions, proprietors of private schools and religious leaders.
“This was aimed to discuss the protocols for re-opening more segments of the society and the economy.
“Clear protocols and guidelines for the reopening of approved sectors will be published before the current Quarantine Order expires on Tuesday, June 9, 2020,” the deputy governor said.
According to her, this will spell out what is required and the measures to be taken in the economic and social sectors that will be reopened.
“The markets, places of worship, schools and other facilities whose operations were prohibited under the Quarantine Orders, will remain shut until the approved protocols are announced next week.
“Citizens should note that congregational worship is not yet permitted.
“Religious leaders are aware of this fact, and we expect everyone to live up to their obligations and avoid needless, and illegal activity,’’ she added.
Balarabe, who is also the Chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19, said that government had consulted widely with stakeholders who have pledged to assist the state government’s efforts in reopening of the state.
“Thank God we have responsible leaders who understand the dangers and challenges of COVID-19, and are prepared to help the state and society to achieve navigate safely,” she said.
According to her, the recommendations and suggestions that have emerged from the consultations will help to strengthen the re-opening strategy.
“The draft guidelines and discussion documents shared with the stakeholders will be improved with inputs received,’’ she said.
Balarabe said it was only prudent to allow the sacrifices that had been made to be followed, to achieve the desired results.
She commended the citizens for their perseverance through hardship occasioned by the enforcement of the lockdown period.
The deputy governor noted that the burning desires of the state government to save life against COVID-19 neccecitated the adoption of stringent preventive measures announced back in March 2020.
The chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19 recalled that the state government strategy to curb the spread of the virus was aimed at protecting lives and the economy.
“That is why the lockdown has from inception been partial to allow for essential services and the operation of some economic sectors.
“In April, we also tasked a committee of senior officials to plan post-lockdown scenarios for the state.
“The report of this committee has since been discussed by the state task force on COVID-19 and published,’’ she added.
