As a result of the recent spike in the case of coronavirus infected people in the state, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye has revealed that the state government was having sleepless nights due to the lackadaisical attitude of the people to preventive protocols, especially the use of nose masks.
Dr Adeyeye, while speaking with leaders of Market Associations in Akure South Local Government Area, expressed dissatisfaction at the rate at which COVID-19 protocols are being flouted with impunity by traders and transport workers across the state, charging the market associations to set up Taskforce to ensure compliance to established measures.
He described the recalcitrant attitude of traders and transporters as worrisome and life threatening, attributing it to the upsurge in confirmed cases of the novel virus in the state.
In his words, “Markets were permitted to open on specified days for the good of the people but they have refused to obey. Transporters are not helping matters either, as they are picking more than the stipulated passengers and are not putting on nose masks either”
He however noted that the markets would be reopened for daily sales provided there is continuous organisation and adherence to government directives in the markets.
Responding, the Iyalojas of Isikan and Isolo markets, Mrs Bolarinwa Temidayo and Mrs Elizabeth Okoro charged the government to be more firm with the enforcement of the use of nose masks and other COVID-19 protocols in the interest of the general public.
Similarly, the Chairman and the Vice Chairman, Petty Traders Association, Messers Gabriel Onuma and Mr Ozota Sunday identified road side sellers as causes of disorganisation in the markets, requesting government to ensure the road sides are free of buying and selling.
In his own response, the secretary, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr Bayode Olugbenga promised that the union would do more sensitisation for its members and enforce compliance with government directives.
Speaking on behalf of butchers association in the state, Elder Sunday Adeyemo recommended that government must do more sensitisation and impose sanctions on defaulters.