The Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has extended the restriction of movements order in the state to curb the spread of COVID-19 from Monday, April 20, 2020.
This is the second time the state government is extending the lockdown.
In a release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu on Friday and made available to ABN TV, this extension is following the advice of medical experts and a painstaking review of the coronavirus situation with the state COVID-19 Inter-Ministerial Committee and in the state’s continued determination to protect Abians from the pandemic while also ensuring that the effect of preventive measures on the people is alleviated.
“The window of two days, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2020, is for our people to restock while the total lockdown resumes on Monday, April 20, 2020.
“Abians are expected to use the two-day restocking window to acquire face masks as it is now compulsory to wear face masks before leaving home.
“The closure of our borders is still in place. Further directives have been given to those manning the borders to ensure tighter measures are put in place” the statement read.
According to the Commissioner, “The Governor thanks all Abians and those residents in the State for their support and cooperation so far and appeals to them for their continued understanding on this latest arrangement as every effort is deployed by government to ensure the prevention, management, and control of the pandemic and protect our people from its scourge”.