The Niger state government has announced that fifteen corps members currently serving in the state have tested positive for COVID19.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muhammed Makusidi disclosed this on Thursday, January 28 during a meeting with the state governor, Abubakar Sani-Bello on measures to put in place to contain the spread of the virus in the state. According to the commissioner, out of the 16 active cases in the state, 15 are NYSC members.

Reacting to the new cases, the state governor Sani- Bello has declared that those found guilty of not using face masks would be tried in a mobile court and fined N5,000 since declaring another lockdown is not attainable. He directed the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General to prepare an executive order for the enforcement of compulsory use of face masks in the State.

The executive order is meant to take effect from Monday, 1st of February, 2021.