Governor of Rivers State, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has announced a temporary lifting of the total lockdown of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas for six days, beginning from Thursday 21st of May to Tuesday 26th of May, 2020.
Governor, who spoke in a broadcast on Wednesday, reassured residents that the government was more determined to do everything within its reach to fight against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in Rivers State.
He further appealed to Rivers people to maintain the social distancing in every space, including that of the vehicles, bank premises and shopping places as a laid down measures to curb the spread of the virus; adding that anyone found violating the established orders would be apprehended and prosecuted for deliberately putting the lives of many and even themselves in danger.
According to him, “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.
“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”.
However, he stated that, “Residents and visitors of these local government areas can therefore go out of their homes for their lawful businesses from May 21 until 8.00 p.m., Tuesday 26th of May 2020, when the lockdown will be restored and maintained until further notice.
“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. 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.
“And so, for those, who have nothing to do outside their homes, please stay at home and stay safe. Let us also try to ensure that we keep and protect the most vulnerable persons among us, especially the aged and those with serious underlying health conditions from this virus”.
