In it’s continuous efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Benue State, the government has extended the partial lockdown in the state.
Governor Samuel Ortom announced this on Monday after meeting with the State Action Committee on COVID-19 for periodic assessment of the situation in the state.
The Governor who noted that the partial lockdown in the state against COVID-19 should continue also announced suspension of all public gatherings in the state till further notice.
He said the banned social gatherings include marriage ceremonies, community festivals, funerals and religious meetings (Churches and Mosques) adding “There should be no church service or mosque prayers. Let me remind traditional, religious, youth and political leaders to ensure strict compliance.”
The Governor who also directed that all entry points into Benue State remain closed till further notice added that all markets in Benue State should remain closed with immediate effect while only shops and commodity stores shall be open.
He warned traders who have decided to operate by the roadsides following the closure of markets thereby violating the directive on social distancing to desist from doing so henceforth as he has directed security operatives to stop the existence of the illegal roadside trading.
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He stated that the COVID-19 Action Committees operating in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state will continue to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders while Primary Health Care Centres and hospitals in all the local government areas will serve as quarantine and limited treatment centres in the event of outbreak of the virus.
Ortom said the restriction of movement from 7p.m to 6a.m daily, except those on essential services will also continue and urged tricycles operators also known as ‘Keke NAPEP’ not to convey more than two persons, while township and mini buses should not convey more than seven passengers at a time.
“Commercial motorcycles also known as ‘Okada’ must convey one person at a time and wear face mask. All commercial vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles must have hand sanitizers for the use of passengers.
“All night clubs must remain closed in line with the dusk the dawn curfew. Bars and restaurants will continue to render take-away services only and must provide hand sanitizers and soap with water for customers.
“The general public should maintain the habit of regular hand washing with soap and running water as well as the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, in the absence of water.”
The Governor who appreciated the Benue people for the support and timely reports given to his Government to combat COVID-19 also called for prayers against the spread of the virus.
“As I emphasized in my state broadcast, we in Benue believe in the power of prayer which helps us to accomplish our aspirations. It is my strong conviction that while we do what is humanly possible to prevent Coronavirus, we must also remember the word of God in the book of 2 Chronicles 7:14 says; “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
“I believe that with God Almighty on our side, the war against the pandemic will surely be won,” he said.
