Coronavirus: School closures, gathering restriction necessary

Kaduna State Government has explained that its  decision to restrict large gatherings is not to inconvenience   people  but to take precautionary measures to reduce the chances of spreading Coronavirus in the state. The Governor who explained the rationale behind prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people in the State, advised religious and traditional rulers to […]

Kaduna State Government has explained that its  decision to restrict large gatherings is not to inconvenience   people  but to take precautionary measures to reduce the chances of spreading Coronavirus in the state.

The Governor who explained the rationale behind prohibiting gatherings of more than 10 people in the State, advised religious and traditional rulers to sensitize the people about how Coronavirus spreads.

‘’It is for this reason that we restricted gathering of people in congregational prayers in mosques and churches, including other social gatherings like naming ceremonies and  weddings for about 30 days, so as to minimise the chances of spreading the disease,’’ El-Rufai said.

According to him, health experts have said that the virus can incubate in a person without him  or her knowing for 14 days, noting that countries that failed to heed to the medical advice are recording several deaths.

El-Rufai further said that Government shut down schools in Kaduna State for  the same reason and  that ‘’it is the most medically wise decision to take.’’

The Governor said that some people have criticised the schools closures and directive to restrict gatherings for 30 days, proffering all sorts of opinions to justify their arguments.

‘’The opinion of these people do not matter. Even my own opinion does not matter in the circumstance. What matters most is the advice of medical experts and we took our decisions based on it because it is the right thing to do.

‘’Our duty as leaders is to act based on this kind of advice and to warn people to abide by them. For five years that we have been in office, have we ever directed that people should restrict their gatherings? We took the steps for common good and not to inconvenience people,’’ he added.