Bayelsa State Government has warned that it will not tolerate anyone, no matter how highly placed that would attempt to frustrate the efforts of the government containing the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the state.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ehwrudjakpo handed down the warning in a meeting with leaders of Transport Associations, comprising tricycles and other road transport owners in the State.
Senator Ehwrudjakpo stated that “since the state is yet to experience transmissions at the community level, it has become important for operators in the transport sector to work hand in gloves with the government to ensure compliance to the use of facemask, particularly by tricycle operators and their passengers.
“You are to ensure enforcement in the use of face masks and do not carry any person who is not wearing a mask from Monday, 13th July, when the enforcement team will commence work.
“It is more important for you to protect yourselves, families and others by observing the various measures to help in curbing the spread.”
The Deputy Governor emphasized that the measures were among other things necessitated by the numbers from the testing and particularly spike in new infections in neighbouring states which are considered high-risk areas.
In their contributions, Permanent Secretaries Ministry of Health, Doctor Nathaniel Apoku, Information and Orientation Mr Freston Akpor and Transport, Arch Ere-Efeke emphasized the seriousness of the pandemic and the need for operators of the transport sector to be at the frontline in the advocacy against the pandemic in view of their role in the movement of people and inadvertently spreading the virus.
The leadership of the various transport associations appreciated the government for the meeting as it further confers on them the authority to enforce the earlier directive on two passengers in tricycles and the compulsory use of face masks which takes effect from Monday.
