Uchendu Mark – Port Harcourt
Rivers state governor, Mr Nyesom Wike has announced ease of the total lockdown imposed on Obio-Akpor and Port Harcourt local government areas.
The ease is for six days, effective Thursday, 21st May 2020.
Wike stated this in a wide broadcast on Wednesday.
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He said residents and visitors to these local government areas can go out of their homes for their lawful businesses from Thursday May 21 until Tuesday 26th of May 2020, when the lockdown will be restored.
“It is important to emphasized that the relaxation only allows for free human and vehicular movements and the opening of limited businesses, such as banks, supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery shops.
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“All land, sea and air exit and entry borders and routes into Rivers state shall remain closed.”
“Similarly, all open markets, motor parks, hotels, bars, night clubs, in-service restaurants and barbers’ shops must remain shut.
“Religious gatherings of more than 50 persons remain prohibited.
“All public weddings, burials and other social gathering also remain prohibited.
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“Private and commercial vehicles, including tricycles must continue to limit the number of passengers to two persons only.
“The wearing of face masks or coverings in public spaces, including commercial and private vehicles remains compulsory as contraveners would be arrested and summarily dealt with as the law demands,” he stated.
The Governor enjoined residents of the state to continue to maintain social distancing in every space, including vehicles, bank premises and
shopping places as required by the subsisting regulations.
He warned that those who refuse to comply with these duly established orders and restrictions would be arrested and prosecuted, as usual, for deliberately endangering themselves and the lives of others in the face of this deadly virus.
Wike reassured that government was determined more than ever to do everything to fight against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Rivers State.
“We therefore urge residents not to panic even with the increasing number of positive cases, which is only indicative of the expanded testing now taking place in the State.
“Before long, we will flatten the curve, gradually lift the restrictions, restore normalcy and open up the State fully for business.
“But until then, we will continue to ask for your patience, cooperation and religious compliance with the established measures to curb the spread of this virus.”
