The Oyo State Government has said that it would begin the arrest and prosecution of erring residents of the state who fail to use face masks in public places with effect from August.
Mrs Kunmi Oladipo, a coordinator of enforcement from the state COVID-19 emergency operation centre and risk communication pillar, made the disclosure during the enforcement mission at Bodija Market in Ibadan on Wednesday.
The state government has, overtime, stated the need for residents to comply with the COVID-19 protocols among which is the compulsory use of face masks.
During an interview with journalists at the Bodija market, Oladipo said the state had recorded low level of compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines.
She expressed worries that many people breached the order on wearing of face mask in public places, particularly in markets.
“This brought about the need to reemphasise the importance of the directive. It is to ensure that the people duly comply as the fight against coronavirus is still ongoing.
“The enforcement team would, within one month, sensitise members of the public to ensure compliance. If there is no appreciable improvement, the team might embark on arrest and prosecution of offenders,” she said.
The head of the Environmental Health Officers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Tijani Adegoke, who was on the enforcement team, said the state government would not relent in its efforts at ensuring compliance with the COVID-19 directives.
He said already, the enforcement team had started restraining those without face masks from gaining access into the market.
