The Edo state COVID-19 taskforce sealed off Domino Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery in Benin City on Tuesday, February 16 for violating the COVID-19 protocols in the state.

The task force also visited eateries, restaurants, shopping malls and other businesses within the Benin metropolis, to ensure compliance with the state’s disease prevention protocols.

The enforcement team was led by Mrs. Aiebojie Winifred, a representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Other include the state Covid-19 Risk Communication Pillar, security agencies, Red Cross Society of Nigeria and officials of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Addressing journalists shortly after the exercise, Winifred expressed disappointment over the nonchalant attitude of the managers of businesses in the state, despite sensitization and advocacies embarked upon by the state government to ensure compliance to protocols.

She noted, “We have visited this facility on previous occasions to sensitize the management and workers on COVID-19 safety protocols.

“We told them to get handwashing facilities, hand sanitisers, temperature checks and enforce ‘no face masks no entry’. We also reiterated the need to maintain social distancing.

“Unfortunately, on our return to the facility today, we discovered total disregard to the government’s directive to curb the spread of the deadly virus.”

Meanwhile, the state has recorded 59 new cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours.