COVID-19: Ikpeazu Approves 7 Days Lockdown Of Abia

Abia State governor, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved one-week lockdown of the state to prevent spread of coronavirus.

The state’s Inter-Ministerial Committee on Coronavirus disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

The committee said the lockdown approved by Ikpeazu would commence Wednesday April 1, 2020, adding that the exercise would last one week.

According to the statement, “people or institutions rendering essential services, such as security agencies – Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense, TIMAAS, Fire Services, Hospitals, pharmaceuticals, media, eateries, shops within the neighborhood, filling stations are exempted

The state maintained that its borders would remain shut till further notice, adding that vehicles carrying foods, medical and pharmaceutical items, petroleum products and other essential items were exempted.

The committee further said to maintain social distancing, “social gatherings of all kinds; weddings, burial ceremonies, meeting of all colourations and religious activities are suspended forthwith.”

The committee warned against flaunting the directives and therefore called on transition committee chairmen and traditional rulers to ensure adequate enforcement of the directives in their area.

Citizens were also advised to maintain high level of hygiene, apply alcoholic based sanitizers and practice social distancing of 1.5meters.
The Committee advised citizens to stay at home, adding that any person who intends to go outside must wear face mask.

Meanwhile, the government said previous directives issued on transportation, hospitality industry, among others were still in force.