Bank Customers, Commercial Transporters, Others Disregard Physical Distancing Rule

By Solomon Odeniyi

Bank customers and commercial transporters in the state of Osun have been disregarding the physical distancing rule and other preventive measures reeled out by the state government to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

OSUN DEFENDER observed that since the lockdown had been eased last week, residents of the state have refused to follow the guidelines while engaging in their daily activities.

Commercial transporters, especially drivers of the mini-buses called ‘korope’ and operators of commercial motorcycles (‘okada’) in Osogbo, the state capital have been carrying passengers more than the stipulated number prescribed for this period by the government.

The state government had declared a curfew from 5pm to 6am between Monday and Thursday.

Total lockdown of the state resumes on Thursday evening and ends on Monday morning.

In easing the lockdown, the government stuck to the preventive measures earlier declared, insisting that transport operators and local parks are not allowed to overload their vehicles and passengers’ spacing must be fully observed.

The government directed that korope and other commercial buses should be at 60% capacity, while commercial motorcycle and tricycle riders must not load their vehicles above one passenger and three passengers respectively.

But the commercial transporters have totally disregarded the regulations, as their vehicles are always crowded with passengers.

Drivers of the mini-commercial buses have been carrying their usual three-three passengers per row and one person at the front, against the government’s directive.

It was noted that the commercial transporters have not been disinfecting their buses as ordered by the state government, just like the commercial motorcyclists.

Though there was partial compliance with the use of face masks by many residents; some other members of the public have however refused to make use of it.

OSUN DEFENDER noted that commercial banks in the state capital have not also been providing sanitizer and hand-washing basins for their customers.

There were large gatherings of customers who were locked out of the banking premises, waiting for their turn to get into the banking hall in flagrant defiance to the physical distancing modalities.

But the physical distancing rule was followed strictly inside the banking hall.

Some of the banks provided canopies under which their customers clustered together within their premises.

Also, there was no regard for physical distancing rules, as buyers and sellers thronged some of markets visited by the medium.

Many observers have raised concerns over high chances of community transmission of the dreaded virus if such acts are not discontinued.