The Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Monday extended the partial lockdown in the state till further notice.
Ortom also disclosed that public gatherings in the state including churches and mosques will remain suspended till further notice, in a bid to further tackle the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking during a press briefing at the state’s Government House, the governor said the restriction of movement from 7pm to 6am daily will also continue.
The governor also declared that all land borders in the state remained closed.
According to Ortom: “I have been meeting with the State Action Committee on COVID-19 for periodic assessment of the situation, and it is the considered decision of the Benue State Government that the partial lockdown in the state against COVID-19 should continue.
“This, therefore, implies that: “The partial lockdown in the state will continue.
“All entry points into Benue State will remain closed till further notice.
“All public gatherings in the state will also remain suspended until further notice. These include marriage ceremonies, community festivals, funerals and religious meetings (Churches and Mosques). There should be no church service or mosque prayers. Let me remind traditional, religious, youth and political leaders to ensure strict compliance.
“The COVID-19 Action Committees operating in the 23 Local Government Areas of the state will continue to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
“Primary Health Care Centres and hospitals in all the local government areas will serve as quarantine and limited treatment centres in the event of the outbreak of the virus.
“The restriction of movement from 7pm to 6am daily, except those on essential services will also continue”.
Ortom also stated that markets across the state remained closed until further notice.
” All markets in Benue State remain closed with immediate effect. Only shops and commodity stores shall be open. Let me warn traders who have decided to operate by the roadsides following the closure of markets thereby violating the directive on social distancing. I have directed security operatives to stop the existence of illegal roadside trading.
“Tricycles also known as ‘Keke NAPEP’ should not convey more than two persons, while township and minibuses 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 a 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 handwashing with soap and running water as well as the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, in the absence of water.
“Let me once more appreciate the people of Benue State for the support given to this Government to combat COVID-19