Akwa Ibom state governor, Emmanuel Udom has ordered the closure of all borders and roads leading to the state as part of measures to contain the spread of the killer Coronavirus.
The governor in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem also ordered that Ibom Air should suspend all flights.
This comes barely 24 hours after doctors in the state criticized his administration for not doing enough to prevent Covid-19 from entering the state.
He also directed that government employees should stay away from their offices for a period of one week while government monitors the situation.
To assist workers obey the Stay at home order, the governor directed the payment of March salaries to all civil servants under the state employ.
“Following a critical analysis of the situation relating to Covid-19 situation, I have been directed by HE the governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel to make the following announcements:
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“Salaries of state government workers for the month of March will be paid today, Thursday, March 26, 2020.
“Workers are advised to prepare to stop going to work and stay at home for one (1 ) week with effect from Monday 30 March 2020. The stay-at-home order will be strongly enforced.
“All borders and roads leading in and out of the state are closed with immediate effect; except for the transportation of food items.
“Ibom Air will suspend all flight operations from Sunday, 29 March 2020.
“Markets are to remain open for the sale of foodstuff and essential items only.
“All Churches are strongly requested to fast and pray for God’s mercies on Sunday 29 March 2020.
“Residents and citizens are strongly advised to apply all the preventive measures earlier announced”.
“Although there is no confirmed COVID-19 case in Akwa Ibom State, we abide by the ancient adage that ” prevention is better than cure”.
“The Governor, also enjoins all residents and citizens; including professional bodies, to desists from creating unnecessary panic within the state by propagating unverified news, whipping up selfish and myopic sentiments and fanning the embers of discord for pecuniary / or political gains”.
