Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
By Martina Enebeli
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government had announced the partial lifting of the lockdown in the state as from April 30, 2020 to ease movement of people in the state, and to gradually return the economy which had been shutdown since the lockdown which was imposed to curtail the spread of the Novel Coronavirus Pandemic.
In his speech, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa while appealing to Deltans to continue to observe the necessary medical guidelines to remain safe, stated that there will partial easing of the lockdown from Thursday April 30, 2020 from 7 am to 6pm to enable for economic activities, while the curfew that was imposed earlier will remain enforce from 7pm to 7am, as all night clubs, drinking joints remains close till further notice.
He however pointed out that as the gradual lockdown is been implemented, the war over the virus had not been achieved.
“It has become necessary to partially lift the ban on movements within the State effective Thursday, 30th April 2020. This is to enable our people engage in economic/business activities between the hours of 6am and 7pm. Security agencies will be on hand to ensure strict compliance with the time frame.”
“As we gradually relax the restriction of movement, I must caution that it is not yet uhuru; life as we have known it is still a long way off. We must therefore brace ourselves up to adjust to the new normal in all our personal, official and business dealings going forward. As an administration, we remain irrevocably committed to doing everything necessary to protect the lives and property of citizens in the State, in addition to providing a safe and secure environment for them to pursue their dreams of success and happiness.”
“Conferences, sporting activities, gathering of people in convention/event centres, sports fields, public/open spaces, as well as recreational and cultural/communal activities remain banned until 31st May 2020.
While burials and weddings will be allowed, the social distancing rule (6ft apart) must be applied, and the number of guests/persons must not exceed 50.”
“Our schools (public and private) remain closed until Sunday, 31st May 2020.
Entertainment centres, including cinemas, bars and night clubs remain closed until Sunday, 31st May 2020.”
“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.”
The governor further stated that the use of face mask will become effective as from April 30, 2020, in all public places in the state, including offices.
