Thread by @GovWike

Pursuant to the fundamental objective of stopping the spread of coronavirus, we have reviewed the situation in Bonny  Island and Onne Communities and come to the conclusion that a total lockdown is necessary at this time to shut down the continuing spread of the virus

By this measure, all shops, offices and business places must remain closed.

All gatherings, including religious, burial and wedding activities are prohibited. All entry and exit into the two communities, except those on essential services and duly permitted, are also banned.

Security agencies have been directed to enforce the lockdown by arresting and prosecuting anyone who dares to disobey these directives.

#Covid_19

With a total of 866 positive cases out of 2572 tested samples, the State is gradually becoming the next epicenter of the virus in the South-south region of the country.

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Within this period, the state also recorded 30 deaths, including prominent persons while 356 persons recovered and were discharged from Treatment Centres.

Only today the state recorded 127 new cases leaving the Isolation and Treatment Centres overwhelmed.

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We cannot also deny that the transmission of the virus in our state is currently on a steep upward trend. This being so, we must all brace up to the reality of having new infections and a couple of deaths in the coming weeks and months.

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When we recognised that effective early response was key to preventing the virus from progressing deep, we introduced drastic measures to protect our citizens.

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Unfortunately, some people deliberately twisted our intentions, maligned our timely measures and exploited the attendant temporary hardship on our people to further their selfish political drives.

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Today, I am sure with the daily worrisome number of new infections and the fear of possible calamitous community transmission, everyone is now seeing the needless politicization of the fight against coronavirus.

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Nevertheless, we are encouraged by the fact that the virus can effectively be stopped from spreading further, if only we all submit to the prescribed guidelines on social distancing as a matter of strict responsibility.
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I regret the nonchalant attitude of those who blatantly violate the rights of people to good health and public safety by refusing to comply with established guidelines.

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I therefore appealed to all residents and visitors to treat the spread of coronavirus with all seriousness by
*staying at home as much as possible
*avoiding contacts with others when outside
*avoiding gathering in groups
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*regularly washing hands; and
*regularly wearing face masks in public places, including transport mediums.
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