The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has ordered prohibition of any event and a total cessation of movements in the state for fourteen (14) days.

His action followed the confirmation of five suspected cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Akwa Ibom State.

Gov. Emmanuel, in a statewide live broadcast on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 in Uyo said the decision was to make it possible for a thorough process of contact tracing is done, in order to identify those suspected to have been exposed to the five confirmed coronavirus cases in the state.

He explained that the COVID-19 suspects, most of them are healthcare professionals, were in good health with no visible symptoms, had been transferred to the state’s isolation centres for proper treatment and management.

He said,

There will be no movement of persons, except those on essential duties who must carry a proper means of identification on them at all times.

All business premises, markets, shops, motor parks and offices except grocery shops and pharmacies, must remain closed during this period.

He advised the people of Akwa Ibom State against fear and panic, and asked them to cooperate with the state government, instead of resorting to blame games.

He said,

What we need to do is to stay at home, practice social distancing and good personal hygiene and provide accurate and useful information to health workers whenever necessary.

Justin Nwosu

Justin Nwosu is the founder and publisher of Flavision. His core interest is in writing unbiased news about Nigeria in particular and Africa in general. He’s a strong adherent of investigative journalism, with a bent on exposing corruption, abuse of power and societal ills.