The North Dayi District Assembly in the Volta region has commenced the mass distribution of a total of 10,000 locally manufactured nose masks to some identifiable groups and residents across the district.

The distribution exercise which is being led by the District Chief Executive, Kudjoh Attah has already covered the Anfoega market, the Vakpo and Anfoega lorry parks and okada boys, shop owners and some vulnerable groups including the disabled.

The distribution exercise according to the DCE, would cover all public places within the district in a bid to curb spread of the deadly novel coronavirus from entering the district.

He said, “this exercise is intended to ensure strict enforcement and adherence to the President’s directive on the wearing of nose masks at public places. So we are doing this to ensure that those who may not be able to buy one for themselves can have this to protect themselves.”

He added that, “the virus is already in Kpando, Hohoe and Ho and these are places very close to us, so it’s our greatest responsibility to do everything humanly possible to ensure that it doesn’t get to us,” while adding that, “we have already made provisions for two isolation centers but it is our hope that we don’t record any positive case.”

Since the outbreak and the subsequent ban on social gatherings, the Assembly according the authorities has been very critical on the need for residents to ensure adherence especially with regards to the ‘not more than 25 persons burial’ directive by the President.

Traders in the Anfoega market which is the only major market in the district have also been divided into two groups; one of which has been moved to a school park to ensure absolute compliance with the social distancing protocol in the market.

According to Mr. Kudjoh Attah, the Assembly’s constant consultation with the various stakeholders ahead of the enforcement of some these measures has led to a huge success as far as compliance is concerned.

“You would observe that there seems to be some significant level of compliance with the directives among residents across the district but that has only been possible due to the rigorous consultation we had with all stakeholders prior to the implementation of these directives.”

“It is for these reasons that traders in the Anfoega market are able to move to the new space when the Assembly decided to move part of the market to the other end to ensure the social distancing protocol,” he stated.

He urged residents to continue to remain calm but vigilant and critical of the safety measures in ensuring that the district is free from the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The district assembly has so far distributed over 200 Veronica buckets and hand sanitizers to offices and public places in the district to ensure regular hand wash.

Source: Starrfm.com.gh/103.5fm/Faisel Abdul-Iddrisu