From now on, Akwa Ibom State Police Command says the use of face masks by all persons in public places is compulsory, vowing to prosecute offenders.
This, the command, pointed out is in line with its renewed determination to enforce the provisions of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations, 2020 (as amended).
A press release issued by CSP N-nudam K. Fredrick, the state Police Public Relations Officer on Monday, explained “For the avoidance of doubt, paragraph 12 (1) of the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2020 states that ‘the use of face mask by all persons in public places is hereby made mandatory.”
“While paragraph 12(2) provides a fine of ten thousand naira (N10, 000.00) for a first time offender or community service for seven (7) days and a fine of twenty thousand naira (N20,000.00) for a second time and subsequent offender or community service for fourteen (14) days.”
He directed “In view of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and other members of the Enforcement Committee to arrest and prosecute any pedestrian, passenger, driver, congregation, seller, buyer and other persons found in public places without face masks.
“The Police Command enjoins all the good people of the State to always wear facemasks in public places and follow other safety measures aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19 pandemic,” the police spokesperson advised.
Last Friday, the State Government had announced its resolve to enforce the directive ‘no face mask, no trading’ to buyers and sellers in Akwa Ibom.
