Enugu insists wearing face masks remains compulsory

The Enugu State government has warned that wearing of face masks remains compulsory as part of measures to check the spread of COVID-19.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Obi, gave this warning during a courtesy visit by members of the United Alternative Medical Practitioners and Complimentary Association of Nigeria (UAMPCAN) on Thursday in Enugu.

According to him, responsible citizens of the state must wear facemasks or face covers whenever they are outdoors.

“Keep a safe distance from other people at all times, which is social/physical distancing and avoid crowded places. Practise good respiratory hygiene (when coughing or sneezing).

“Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds under running water as often as possible. And when facilities for hand washing are unavailable, sanitise your hands as often as possible using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

“Clean surfaces around you regularly with a solution of one part of bleach and 99 parts of water (e.g. one millilitre of bleach into 99 millilitre of water, mixed),’’ he said.

The commissioner lauded the association for it’s contributions to the healthcare system of the state, assuring that “the ministry is willing to cooperate with all health associations to move healthcare forward.’’

Earlier, Chairman, Board of Trustees of UAMPCAN, Prof. Joseph Akpa, congratulated the commissioner on his appointment and lauded him for his efforts in battling the pandemic.

Akpa however, said that the association in the state has not been involved in any programme regarding the battle against COVID-19.