COVID-19: Akeredolu orders stiffer measures as three Ondo health workers test positive 

Three health workers at the Infectious Disease Hospital, IDH, Akure, the Ondo State capital have tested positive for the deadly COVID-19.

The infected health workers, which include one driver and two casual workers, were said to have contracted the disease in the course of their duties at the IDH.

Governor Akeredolu disclosed this on Monday during his weekly media briefing on his government efforts at battling the ravaging virus.

During the briefing, Akeredolu announced that he has approved that all health workers in the state be paid 50% of their consolidated basic salary as hazard allowance.

He also added that all healthcare workers working directly in the Isolation Centre/Treatment Centre are to get an additional 20 per cent of their 50 per cent as special risk allowance, adding that they will also get a top-up lump sum from the funds of the PTF.

Meanwhile, the governor has placed a ban on daily activities in major and community markets across the state, as part of the stricter and tighter measures to enforce social and physical distancing in vulnerable centres of crowd assembly.

According to Akeredolu, the measures became necessary after the government observed that the people have failed to respond to the basic precautionary measures earlier put in place to contain the spread to the virus in the state.

While stating that out of the seven days in a week, the concession would be given for two days of market activities to enable restocking of food items and beverages for families, the governor named the days approved for market activities as Tuesdays and Thursdays of every week, warning that nobody should be seen within the market premises on unapproved days.

He also directed that the main perishable food supply depot in each of the city centres in the state will only open for business on Monday, Wednesday and Friday every week.

“For avoidance of doubt, the Oja Oba, Isinkan, Iloro, Isolo, in Akure and their equivalents across the state will remain shut in accordance with the approved schedules earlier stated, while only Shasha and Iloro markets in Akure and their equivalents across the state will open for business on the basis of the three-day concession.”