Coronavirus: FG’s plan to close motor parks; RTEAN pledges supports

The Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) says it is ready to support the Federal Government’s plan to close motor parks if such would curb further spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

RTEAN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Abdulrahman Amusan, gave the assurance on Saturday in Lagos arguing that since it is only the living that thinks of working to make ends meet, the union and its members will support the government on the proposal, if such will stop the spread of the pandemic.

“The association is in support of every step taken by the government to prevent and to curb the spread of the disease. We are in full support.

“More importantly, the Federal Government should provide detective kits for parks to check the temperature of those coming in and going out,” Amusan, who is also the Lagos State RTEAN Secretary said.

He said that if such kits were provided it would help the association to identify any infected commuters and drivers at the motor parks.

Amusan said that all states, zonal and unit chapters of the RTEAN had been given the matching order to comply with all precautionary measures given by the Federal Ministry of Health on COVID-19.

He said that the use of hand sanitisers and handwashing facilities had been made compulsory at the parks belonging to the association in the country.

According to him, the association leadership has also been sensitising members on increased personal and vehicle hygiene to contain the spread of the virus.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had on Thursday hinted that the Federal Government was considering to stop inter-state and inter-town travels to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The minister said that the Federal Government was considering closing all motor parks and inter-state rail stations.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control made this known via its Twitter handle on Saturday: “Eight new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria, seven in Lagos State and one in Benue.

“As of 04:00 pm on 28th of March, there are 89 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria with one dead.

“For a breakdown of cases by states in real time, Lagos currently has 59 cases, FCT – three, Ekiti – one, Oyo – three, Edo – two, Bauchi – two, Osun – one, Rivers – one, Enugu – two, and Benue – one.”

According to the World Health Organisation Regional Office for Africa in Brazzaville, Congo, coronavirus has hit 46 African countries.