Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has approved the lockdown of the state from Wednesday April 1, 2020, for 1 week in the first instance.
This was as the Abia State Inter-Ministerial Committee on Coronavirus met and reviewed some measures and strategies the state has put in place to avert the spread of coronavirus in the state.
According to a statement by the Secretary to Abia State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, 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 statement said, “The Committee strongly advised citizens to stay at home, but if you must come out, you must wear face mask.”
The statement maintained that the State borders would remain closed till further notice except for vehicles carrying foods, medical and pharmaceutical items, Petroleum products and other essential items which are exempted insisting that social gatherings of all kinds; weddings, burial ceremonies, meeting of all colourations and religious activities are suspended forthwith so as to avoid overcrowding and body contact.
Ezem reiterated that Transition Committee Chairman and Traditional Rulers in their domains must enforce government directives without fail as government has observed that some people are deliberately flouting the earlier directive of government on public gatherings and crowd control.
According to the statement, “On the part of the citizenry, they should always maintain high level of hygiene by constantly washing their hands with running water and soap, wear face masks, apply alcoholic based sanitizers as well as practice social distancing of 1.5meters at all time.
“Other directives issued earlier on transportation, hospitality industry, etc are still in force.
“Finally, Abia State Government earnestly feel the pains and sacrifices every citizen must make so that together we will win the battle against Coronavirus,” the statement said.