Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa on Thursday unveiled stringent measures aimed at stopping the spread of the Coronavirus to the state.
The governor in state broadcast, shut airports, closed motor parks and markets across the state for two weeks.
Nigeria has so far recorded 51 cases of the deadly virus with one fatality. No case has been reported in Delta State.
Okowa said the measures were needed to avert an outbreak or contain the spread of any case was recorded.
He said: “As promised, we have continued to monitor and review developments concerning this global pandemic on a daily if not hourly basis. Although there has been no confirmed case in Delta, nevertheless, we deem it fit to take further measures to avert any outbreak or contain its spread if it occurs.
“Consequently, after a meeting with the Central Committee on Managing/Containing the Coronavirus Pandemic headed by me, several far-reaching decisions were made, and I hereby order as follows:
“Asaba airport is to close to traffic effective from Friday, March 27, 2020 by 6pm”.
“All land borders into and out of Delta are to be shut effective 6am, Sunday, March 29, 2020.
All businesses-malls, supermarkets, markets and shops -are to close from Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
“All residents in the State are to stay at home from Wednesday, April 1, 2020”.
The governor ordered that “Food sellers are to conduct their businesses within the precinct of their homes and are required to strictly adhere to the social distancing rules”.
He disclosed that “there will be increased security presence on the streets and land borders to ensure strict compliance with these directives.
“These restrictions are for two weeks in the first instance but do not apply to persons providing essential services namely;
Security; Healthcare (Pharmacies are to remain open); Water; Fire; Power; Essential Departments of Media Houses; Essential Departments of Telecommunications companies.
“Officials of these agencies/companies must carry valid identification tags to ensure easy identification and smooth passage”, added.
