Wear facemasks on jaws henceforth, risk N10,000 fine, other penalties – Anambra govt.

Wrong way of wearing facemask

GOVERNMENT of Anambra state has noted with displeasure the trends of wearing facemasks fashionably and ineffectively in the state by some people thereby subjecting the entire population in great danger of the dreadful coronavirus pandemic.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba on Thursday in Awka stressing that wearing of face masks in public became compulsory in Anambra State as part of the strategy to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, and not for fashion.

The Commissioner also acknowledged that a good number of the people have been complying with the directive which he remarked as a good development, while some people wear it for formality disregarding the danger associated with the negligence.

The statement reads in part;

“However, the state government notes that the face masks are often not worn appropriately. There are people who wear theirs on the chins and some on their jaws. There are individuals who wear the face masks to cover their mouths but not their nostrils. None of these practices is proper.

“The face mask must always cover the mouth and the nose. This is because coronavirus enters our system through such orifices as the eye, the nostril and the mouth. This is why some people wear not just face masks which cover their mouths and noses but also face shields which cover their eyes, in addition.

“The compulsory and proper adorning of face masks in public places in Anambra State is done in the interest of every individual in the state. COVID 19 is real. It has killed nine persons in our state and a number of Anambra individuals outside the state. The victims include old people and youths of both genders.

“The Anambra State government does not want more of our people to get infected by this highly contagious disease, let alone die of it. Consequently, the government is establishing mobile courts in different parts of the state to try those who contravene the new law on COVID-19 like individuals who do not wear face coverings or do not wear them properly. The punishments include payment of up to N10,000 fine and performance of community service.

“To check the spread of coronavirus in our dear state and ensure that Anambra remains the safest state in Nigeria, including in health matters, ndi-Anambra are reminded, once again, of the imperative to keep social distancing of six feet, wash our hands frequently with soap, water and sanitizer, avoid handshakes and embraces and, of course wear face masks in the right way anytime we are in public. May our state and its people remain the Light of the Nation”.

In a related development, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised alarm over wearing of face covers without facemasks. The agency made this known in its Tweeter account today Friday 26 June.

“Face shields without facemask are not effective in Covid-19 prevention. Face shield is not a fashion accessory and must be combined with a mask to provide significant protection. Face shield protects only the face but facemask curbs the spread of respiratory droplets”, the agency stated.

Published By: Admin

Hon. CARL UMEGBORO is a legal practitioner (Barrister & Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and human rights activist. As an advocate of conflict resolution through ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution), he has acquired intensive training and has been inducted into The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom) as an Associate. He is a prolific writer and public affairs analyst. Prior to his call to Bar as a lawyer, he has been a veteran journalist and columnist in all national newspapers, and has over 250 published articles in various newspapers to his credit. Barrister Umegboro is also a regular guest-analyst to many TV and radio programme on crucial national issues. He can be reached through: (+234) 08023184542, (+234) 08173184542 OR Email: umegborocarl@gmail.com

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