COVID-19: Udom shuts border, suspends Ibom Air
Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state has ordered the closure of all borders and roads leading into the state with immediate effect.
The governor also directed that Ibom Air suspends all flight operations with effect from March 29. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Thursday.
Gov. Udom was quoted as directing that workers in the state should stop work with effect from March 30 for one week.
“Following a critical analysis of the situation relating to COVID-19 situation, I have been directed by Gov. Udom Emmanuel to make the following announcements; salaries of state government workers for the month of March will be paid today.
“Workers are advised to prepare to stop going to work and stay at home for one week with effect from March 30. 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 transportation of food items. Ibom Air will suspend all flight operations from March 29. Markets are to remain open for the sale of foodstuffs and essential items only,” Gov. Udom said.
The governor appealed to all churches in the state to fast and pray on March 29 for God’s intervention in the present situation, adding that while the one -week stay at home order would be on, government would continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the coronavirus pandemic.
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“While the one -week stay-at-home order subsists, the Akwa Ibom state government will continue to monitor and provide regular updates on any development in the COVID-19 situation in our state,” he said.
The governor warned residents to remain calm, maintain personal and respiratory hygiene, wash their hands with soap and running water regularly as well as maintain social distance.
The governor urged all citizens, residents and professional bodies to desist from creating unnecessary panic within the state, stressing that only verified information should be sent to the public.
