(Grassroot Reporters)
The Cross River State's 'No facemask, no movement' order declared by Governor Ben Ayade and its enforcement appears to have collapsed.
Investigation by Grassroot Reporters shows flagrant disregard for the order by motorists and residents of Calabar metropolis.
The state's Covid-19 enforcement team that usually mount checks at strategic areas in the metropolis about a month ago have deserted most of the areas visited by our correspondents.
The state had in April declared that no resident of the state will be allowed to leave their homes without a face mask.
The restriction which took effect from Friday 3rd, April 2020, according to the governor is to contain the spread of the virus that has spread to neighbouring states already.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued and signed by Christian Ita, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the governor
According to the governor “No citizen or resident of the state will be allowed to leave home without a face mask from Friday 3rd, April 2020.
“Failure to adhere to this directive will lead to the arrest and quarantine of the offenders for 14 days.
But investigation at Goldie market, Calabar South shows a very low compliance to the order. A market woman at the market, Mrs. Uduak Akpan told our correspondent that she is tired of using the facemask and that the enforcement team don't disturb them as before.
"That thing inconveniences me a lot. It makes me not to breathe well. Besides, those people don't come again to disturb us like before". She said.
Investigation shows very few motorists and their passengers uses the facemask. Some passengers and residents of Calabar wears the mask on their chin instead of their face. A taxi driver who pleaded not to be named said the reason why people don't comply with the order any more is because even the government is tired of enforcing the order.
" That week those NCDC people came to Cross River was not easy for us. You hardly drive few metres without an enforcement team but now, they are only seen in few places like Marian Road.
He wondered why he should continue wearing the mask when the state is yet to record any case of the virus.
"Covid-19 is not in Cross River, so there is no need for me to wear the mask".
A visit to the popular Watt Market and Etim Edem Park also show a few compliance to the order by traders, buyers, motorists and passengers.
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