The governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has announced the easing of lockdown in the state despite the two-week lockdown order of the Federal Government and the increase in the number of covid-19 cases in the state.
The governor said on Saturday that residents can use Monday and Thursday to shop for Ramadan food items.
The governor’s spokesperson, Salihu Yakasai, in a brief statement said during the period, movement of persons in the state would be limited to 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
He also said during the period, wearing of face mask in public will be mandatory, and advised the people to observe personal hygiene and maintain social distance to prevent the spread of the virus.
In his broadcast on Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a ‘total lockdown’ of Kano for two weeks.
“With regards to Kano, I have directed the enforcement of a total lockdown for a period of two weeks effective immediately. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic and preventing the risk of further spread to neighboring States,” the President said.
Reacting to the backlash that has trailed the decision to ease the lockdown despite Presidential directive, the State’s Ministry of Health on Twitter said that the decision had the backing of the president.
It read, “@KanostateNg relaxes #lockdown on Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00am – 4:00pm with the consent of the President @MBuhari. General public are to adhere strictly to #COVID19Kano protocols as given by the health professionals”.
