Imo State Government has given permission for all food markets, food vending supermarkets and pharmaceutical shops to open for business with effect from Sunday May 3rd 2020 while large markets will however remain shut for now.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State disclosed this in a broadcast to the people of the State on the easing of some Covid-19 restrictions.
Uzodimma said the date of Sunday as the effective take off date for easing of some of the restrictions in place was because of massive disinfection of major public places such as markets and public squares is currently on going that will end on Saturday.
The Governor, however insisted that all boarders into the State remain closed as there will be no entry into or exit from the state explaining that in the unlikely event that any person manages to gain entry into the state, he or she must immediately report to the COVID 19 taskforce for mandatory checks and quarantine while those who illegally gain entry into the state and those who assist or harbour them will be arrested and prosecuted.
“The wearing of face masks is mandatory by the law of the state. Consequently any person caught without face mask shall be arrested and prosecuted
“Also, effective Sunday, May 3rd, 2020 public gatherings not exceeding 50 persons at a time shall be allowed. However the rule of social distancing must be strictly adhered to.
“If such gatherings must hold, there must be sufficient provisions for bucket stands for regular washing of hands in running water. Hand sanitizers must also be made available for regular use by the people so gathered. Equally every person in the gathering must wear face mask
“The dusk to dawn curfew in the state remains in place. Meaning that there should be no movement from 6pm to 6am everyday till further notice,” Uzodimma said.
He expressed the hope that the decision to ease restrictions would not be abused by our people by abandoning the recommended safety measures of regularly washing our hands in running water, sanitizing our hands regularly and maintaining social distancing, emphasizing that wearing of face masks is a must for every occasion.