Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Tuesday unveiled a schedule that will see the gradual lifting of the complete lockdown imposed in the state.
ExpressDay recalls that the lockdown which was imposed on April 1 for 14 days to curb the spread of the Coronavirus, was renewed for another 14 days following rise in the number of people infected.
Okowa in a statewide broadcast announced that large gathering of people for conferences, sporting activities, at event centres, public and open spaces as well as recreational, cultural and communal activities remained banned until May 31.
He disclosed that the period of the lockdown had enabled the state government to check the spread of the pandemic, adding that it was a worthwhile sacrifice by all to put it under control.
He said: “We have every reason to believe that the lockdown has helped to limit the spread of the virus in our state.
“As at today, six cases of COVID-19 have been incidented; five of the patients are doing well in our case management centres.
“Sadly, we lost one of them who presented himself late to the medical authorities; his test report which turned out to be positive was received after his unfortunate demise.
“The period of the lockdown, while enabling us to break the chain of transmission, also gave us the leeway to easily trace, identify, isolate and test contacts of infected persons.
“As at today, we have a low virus spread in the state and our health system can be said to be in a state of readiness with the health staff fully committed and motivated to discharge their responsibilities.
“In view of the foregoing, it has become necessary to partially lift the ban on movement within the state effective Thursday, April 30, 2020.
“This is to enable our people to engage in economic and business activities between the hours of 6 a.m and 7 p.m.”
According to him, burials and weddings will be allowed but the social distancing rule of six feet must be applied with the number of guests and persons not exceeding 50.
He added that “our schools (public and private), entertainment centres, including cinemas, bars and night clubs remain closed until Sunday, May 31.
“Restaurants, canteens, beer parlours are to operate on take-away basis while hotels will be allowed to open (with in-room dining) but their restaurants, bars and night clubs remain closed till further notice.”
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