Kwara State on Tuesday recorded 17 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the tally of confirmed cases to 168.

The state also discharged five patients who have twice tested negative to the virus, bringing the tally of patients already managed and discharged to 100.

“The government is aware that the English Premier League commences tomorrow, Wednesday June 17th. This is to state clearly that viewing centres are not allowed to open under any guise during this pandemic. Doing so will actively promote the spread of the virus, endanger people’s lives, and further stretch public resources to the limit,” Rafiu Ajakaye, chief press secretary to the Governor and spokesman of the Kwara State Technical Committee on COVID-19, said in a statement.

“The government fully appreciates and apologises for the inconveniences this restriction means for some businesses and football enthusiasts. However, it has a duty to ensure that lives are protected. This cannot be compromised. The government similarly warns against mass gatherings (crowded weddings/clubbing/partying) of any kind at this time. Violators shall come under the full weight of the Kwara State Infectious Diseases Regulations 2020.”

The government meanwhile has directed that all motorcycles and other items seized during the lockdown be released to their owners without any preconditions.

“We commend the security agencies for their good work during and after the lockdown. They did and are still doing a great job, and the government is grateful to them. The seizure of motorcycles and other items at that time was a lawful way of enforcing compliance with safety measures,” the statement added.

“Following the relaxation of the lockdown, however, the government hereby directs immediate and unconditional release of those motorcycles and other items to their owners so as not to worsen the socioeconomic hardships that the pandemic has already imposed at global, national, state, and individual levels.”

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