THE State Government has given a 12-day ultimatum to all civil servants in the state to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Media and Communication to the Governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, yesterday, the government said all civil servants in the state are expected to take the vaccine by October 31, after which they would be denied access to government offices.
The government added that visitors would only be allowed entry into offices entry upon presentation of evidence of registration with the state’s Ministry of Health on vaccination and use of facemasks.
The statement read: “As it continues to balance public health considerations and the safe pursuit of livelihoods, the Kaduna State Government is constantly monitoring COovid-19 infections in the state and reviewing the pattern of spread.
“Based on these reviews, the State Covid-19 Taskforce has advised the government that the risk of mass infection by Covid-19 remains. This necessitates that careful attention must be paid to continued enforcement of preventive measures and encouraging residents of Kaduna State to practice personal responsibility more consistently.
“This is in line with the FORWARD campaign launched last year to help citizens adopt preventive measures as the state reopened after months of lockdown.
“The commencement of vaccinations against Covid-19 is the most significant development in the public health space since the virus began its tragic worldwide spread. Thus far, only a minority of Nigerians have been vaccinated against Covid-19 because of supply issues.
“But there is no such constraint against universal compliance by all residents of Kaduna State with the simple tests outlined in the FORWARD campaign: wear Facemasks, Observe physical distance, practice Respiratory hygiene, Wash hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, Avoid Large gatherings, Remain indoors as much as possible and eat immunity-boosting Diets.
“The Kaduna State Government will from October 31, 2021 require compliance with COVID-19 protocols, especially facemasks and vaccination, for access to its offices.
“The Ministry of Health has since commenced the vaccination of all civil servants, and this is expected to be completed by October 31, 2021. All civil servants are required to be vaccinated by that date.
“Visitors to government offices will need to present their vaccination cards. Given the limited supply of vaccines that are currently available, visitors that have not yet been vaccinated will, in the interim, be permitted entry upon presentation of evidence of registration with the state Ministry of Health for the purpose of vaccination, while wearing their facemasks.
“The Commissioner for Health Dr. Amina Mohammed-Baloni, has announced that residents are encouraged to register at the nearest primary health centre for COVID-19 vaccinations so that the relevant authorities can easily contact them as more COVID-19 vaccines become available.”
