BENIN CITY – Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), a network of civil rights groups in Edo state have applauded the updated guidelines released by the Edo state government in ensuring that the Corona Virus pandemic is contained in the state.
The Edo CSOs observed that, one of the remarkable restrictions is the reduction of number of passengers in commercial vehicles in a bid to engender social distancing.
Also, the proper documentation of passengers by transporters and checks on recent travel history of hotel clients, as the federal government has confirmed 14 new cases of Covid-19.
According to a statement on Thursday issued by its Public Relations Officer, Leftist Osaze Edigin, “whilst commending such a regulation for all it worth, it is also important we point the government attention to the fact that this new arrangement will spontaneously increase the cost of transportation on commuters.
“Our suggestion is that the state government suspends the issuance of daily tickets to the commercial vehicles to cushion the excruciating effect it would transfer to the commuters.”
the network urged the state government to place water holding materials, soaps and sanitizers in public places to improve the hygiene practice of residents as they move about their normal businesses.
The CSOs lauded the fumigation of public places by the state government, adding, it is the collective responsibilities of the people and the government that will lead to a total eradication of the deadly virus from our midst.
“EDOCSO is poised to partnering with any relevant institution in ensuring that we achieve a society free of Corona Virus pandemic.
“It is hoped this experience should teach our political leaders the need to develop and improve our health sector to be able to respond adequately to future occurrence”, the statement further reads
However, as at 8.35pm on Thursday, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) took the total number of confirmed cases to 65, which is the highest number of cases confirmed so far by the body in a single day.
According to NCDC in a tweet, “14 new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria: 2 in FCT, 12 in Lagos,”
Recall speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Frank Okiye tested positive for the virus, while Governor Godwin Obaseki was tested negative, but remain in self-isolation.
