Essential Ndubuisi
By Chibuzo Obidike
The Transition Committee Chairman of Awka South Council Area, Mr. Leo Nwuba, who is heading the council’s Covid-19 Task Force, has disclosed plans to sanction over five restaurant owners who have refused to comply with the coronavirus disease safety protocols of the state government.
Mr. Nwuba made this known to newsmen shortly after he went in company of security operatives to arrest the restaurant owners who defaulted in complying with the COVID-19 preventive protocols.
Anambra State government had in June 2020 set up COVID-19 Law Monitoring and Enforcement Task Force in all the local government areas and charged with the responsibility of operationalizing enforcement of the newly signed Anambra State Covid-19 law.
According to Mr. Nwuba, the task force on COVID-19 which was instituted by the state government is part of measures to reduce the spread of the disease and ensure the safety of all citizens.
While reading out their offenses and educating them at the various places visited, Mr. Nwuba lamented that some restaurants were reluctant in complying with the COVID-19 protocols, hence the need to enforce the Law.
He asked customers to always insist that before being served, that the staff put on their facemasks and wash their hands properly.
The Awka South Mayor assured that the task force will expedite its routine monitoring in all parts of the council area prosecuting offenders of the COVID-19 protocols in all markets, bars, restaurants, churches, and event ceremonies geared towards ensuring that the state residents are free from the second wave of the deadly virus.
Admitting to their offences, a restaurant owner, Mr. Emmanuel Ekejimbe from Awka Etiti while appealing for mercy said that his restaurant had earlier procured the required COVID-19 materials but most times are faced by the complaint of their employees who claim they experience difficulties in breathing while wearing the masks.
At the various restaurants visited, the ABS observed the absence of hand sanitizers, empty and or no hand washing materials as well as not wearing facemasks by staff of the restaurant.
