COVID-19: Don't Carry More Than Three Passengers Now, OGSG Tells Taxi Drivers

Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji

ABEOKUTA - Ogun state government has directed commercial taxi drivers in the state not to carry more than three passengers at once; with a maximum of two passengers at the back seat. 

The government equally prevented tricycles operators in the state from carrying more than two passengers at once while urging commercial motorcycle riders to carry only one passenger with nose mask. 

This new directives was contained in a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kunle Somorin and made available to newsmen on Monday. 

The government also directed all unions at all intra and interstate motor parks in the state to ensure that temperature of drivers, conductors and passengers is taken and those above the threshold are not allowed to drive or travel. 

It said drivers and conductors are to wear hand gloves and nose masks through the duration trips with only two persons per row in a bus. 

The release stressed that the directives also apply to all vehicles, irrespective of the ownership or use.

The state government has also reduced gathering of people in one place at a time from 50 to 20.

Somorin explained that the new measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic were taken after the daily review of developments at a meeting chaired by the governor.

The state government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies and Local Governments to draw up rosters that would ensure that not more than 20 percent of staff across all cadres work daily thus ensuring that most workers come to work once a week.

"All Government offices, irrespective of where they are, are to maintain social distancing, provide hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities, among other hygiene measures, at all times.

"Banks, Telecommunications and other similar service providers that offer services in hubs and or bays are required to ensure that not more than 20 clients are in their service areas at a time. Social distancing must be maintained between those who will be on the queue or waiting halls by at least five feet between clients. Those outside the halls should maintain similar standards of social distancing.

"This rule applies to all Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Points, where operators must also provide wipes, hand-washing facilities and sanitisers for seamless use by clients.

"All Taxi cabs are directed to carry not more than THREE passengers at once; with a maximum of two at the back. Tricycles are to carry a maximum of TWO passengers at the same time. Motorcycles (popularly called okada) are limited to ONE passenger and the rider must use nose mask.

"Buses are limited to two persons per row while standing, squatting, lapping or hanging are not allowed at all. All unions at all intra/interstate motor parks in the state are to ensure that temperature of drivers, conductors and passengers is taken and those above the threshold are not allowed to drive or travel. Drivers and conductors are to wear hand gloves and nose masks through the duration of trips.

"These measures apply to all vehicles, irrespective of the ownership or use (commercial, private or company).  Indeed, it is advisable that windows of vehicles are wound down to allow free air circulation, when in use, with minimal use of air-conditioners, unless where it becomes absolutely inevitable. 

"Henceforth, any group of more than 20 persons that congregate in the name of any meeting – spiritual or secular - shall be visited with the full wrath of the law. The State Task Force has been mandated to ensure full and total compliance.

"COVID-19 is a raging pandemic that is threatening global peace and safety. As a responsible Government, we cannot take chances. The government enjoins all to note that the task of combating the pandemic is a joint one and, once again, seeks cooperation of all stakeholders and the citizenry."