The Cross River State Government has finally cancelled the 2020 Carnival Calabar and other tourism-related programmes associated with it, following the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the country.
In a statement by the state’ COVID19 Taskforce, signed by Cross River State Commissioner of Health DR. Betta Edu, the need to cancel all events in the state became necessary to prevent people from contracting the disease from large social gathering noting that Nigeria is already experiencing its second wave.
The statement said: “It is no news that the second wave of COVID-19 is already ranging in Nigeria with the increased number of persons being infected with the virus especially during this festive period with people traveling from one point to the other. Cross River State COVID-19 Response Team is calling for immediate action by members of the public to prevent further spread of the virus in our state.”
The following measures must be noted and complied with: all Residents in Cross River state are required to use their face mask at all times in public places. Continuous disregard for this safety protocol shall be met with sanctions, use of Hand Sanitizers and regular washing of hands to avoid infection is strongly recommended for individuals while public and private establishments are required to provide for this in their premises, public and private organizations are encouraged to work remotely from home which is the green zone to reduce contact and prevent the spread of Corona Virus/All Health workers and other emergency workers or first responders/essential service providers will continue to provide services but must protect themselves at all times to avoid infection with and Calabar Carnival Festival will not hold this year 2020 to prevent the spread of the virus in the state.
Other measures noted and must be complied with are, all Night Clubs in Cross River state must immediately shut down, until further notice, the 10 pm to 6 am curfew imposed by the State Government remains in place, the protocol of ‘No Mask No Movement’ must be enforced at all public places: Offices, Businesses, Markets, Shops, and so on, all Places of Worship [Churches, Mosques, etc.] must ensure compulsory use of face mask, hand sanitizers, hand washing facilities and also that no gathering exceeds 50 percent of the maximum capacity of the Venue, avoid public gatherings and parties as much as possible this period. If you must attend stay alert and protect yourself and loved ones at all times.
Also to be observed are, all Event Planners must ensure that any planned gatherings do not exceed 300 people. This is important to prevent reversal sanctions by Taskforce at your event, ample ventilation must also be maintained at all times in all Venues, and Deep cleaning of the premises must be carried out BEFORE and AFTER every event; as well as a minimum of 2 meters’ distance should be maintained between seated guests, all guests and service providers at events MUST wear nose masks/coverings before entry as well as Hand sanitizers or handwashing units positioned at the entry point and various spots within the hall. Provision must be made for all guests and service providers to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitizers, as well as undergo a temperature check, which is mandatory.
The statement also called on all Persons traveling into the state should observe compulsory Isolation for seven days before mingling with members of the public and even family members especially older family members with other disease conditions that make them more vulnerable to Dying from COVID-19 and Air and Road transporter must ensure to enforce the use of face mask, hand sanitizers and temperature check for all customers before boarding the flight or vehicle. This must be used throughout the duration of the journey to avoid spread. Failure to comply shall lead to sanctions for transporter by Taskforce
Meanwhile, the 5th edition of Miss Africa 2020 Calabar will now be held as a virtual event.
However, he also said that the millions of fans and viewers across the globe will still have a chance to enjoy the show as you can subscribe and watch exclusive behind the scenes, the road to Miss Africa 2020 and the live broadcast of the Grand finale on 27th December 2020 on www.missafrica.tv at 1$ dollar or 460 Naira for all access viewership and also to vote for your favourite contestant.
It would be recalled that the Cross River State House of Assembly had earlier passed a resolution calling on the state governor to cancel the 2020 Calabar because of the COVID-19 pandemic of which the state governor is only acting now.