By Tony Nzekwe
Concerned with the on going hardships experienced by residents and committed to cushion the effects of the sufferings, the Rivers State Government has suspended the total lockdown on Obio /Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Area for six (6) days with effect from Thursday 21st May 2020.
Governor Wike disclosed this information in a state wide broadcast.
His words: ” Residents and visitors of these local government areas can therefore go out of their homes for their lawful businesses from tomorrow morning, that is, Thursday May 21 until 8.00pm, Tuesday 26th of May 2020, when the lockdown will be restored and maintained until further notice.”
Adding, ” It is important to emphasized that the relaxation only allows for free human and vehicular movements and the opening of limited businesses, such as banks, supermarkets, shopping malls and grocery shops.”
He asserted, ” All land, sea and air exit and entry borders and routes into Rivers State shall remain closed.”
He continued, ” Similarly, all open markets, motor parks, hotels, bars, night clubs, in service restaurants and barbers shops must remain shut.”
Adding, ” Religious gatherings of more than 50 persons remain prohibited.”
He reiterated, ” Private and commercial vehicles including tricycles must continue to limit the number of passengers to two persons only. The wearing of face masks or covering in public spaces , including commercial and private vehicles remains compulsory as contraveners would be arrested and summarily dealt with as the law demands.”
Governor Wike enjoined all residents to continue to maintain social distancing in every space, including vehicles, banks premises and shopping places required by the subsisting regulation.
However, he warned that those who refuse to comply with these duly established orders and restrictions would be arrested and prosecuted,as usual, for deliberately endangering themselves and the lives of others in the face of this deadly virus.
