Coronavirus: Akwa Ibom Closes Its Borders

Akwa Ibom State government has announced the closure of its borders with other states as part of preventive measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

This was contained in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Emmanuel Ekuwem on Thursday.

Though there are no suspected or confirmed case of the virus in the state, the state government has directed its workers to stay at home for a week from March 30.

The statement also said the state-owned airline, Ibom Air, would suspend all flight operations from Sunday, March 29.

“Residents and citizens are strongly advised to apply all the preventive measures earlier announced.

“While the one-week stay-at-home order subsists, Akwa Ibom State Government will continue to monitor and provide regular updates on any development in the COVID-19 situation in our state.

“Although there is no confirmed COVID-19 case in Akwa Ibom State, we abide by the ancient adage that ‘prevention is better than cure’.

“The Governor, also enjoins all residents and citizens; including professional bodies, to desist from creating unnecessary panic within the state by propagating unverified news, whipping up selfish and myopic sentiments and fanning the embers of discord for pecuniary / or political gains,” the statement said.