Coronavirus: Uzodinma mandates total lockdown of Imo State

Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma has ordered a complete lockdown of the state as part of measures to prevent the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease from entering the state.

Uzodinma gave the order in a state broadcast on Saturday, March 28, in Owerri.

He said the move was in line with his commitment to protect the lives of the people of the state.

The governor ordered that all markets be closed indefinitely and also prohibited all forms of marriage ceremonies.

He also announced the ban on burial and funeral ceremonies and declared that all forms of religious worship in churches and mosques; including crusades and open evangelism were prohibited.

Uzodinma further directed that roadblocks be mounted at all land borders into the state; to ensure those coming in would be screened and given a clean bill of health by officials attached to the checkpoints; before allowed entry.

He also directed all civil and public servants in the state; except those on approved essential duties; to stop work immediately.

He said a combined team of military, police and other security agencies would be deployed to the streets to ensure strict compliance with the directives.

The governor, however, noted that though the new measures might cause some inconveniences or hardship to the people; they were inevitable to assure success in the fight against COVID-19.

The governor assured the people that the state was ready for any emergency as according to him; “a team of specialist doctors are now on the ground and well equipped to handle any emergency just in case the virus finds its way into the state.”

Further measures announced by the governor to contain the virus included; training of health educators to go to rural communities to educate them; as well as the distribution of hand sanitisers to all the communities in the state.

Uzodinma stated that these measures would be reviewed on a weekly basis; and if it became necessary to relax or take more measures, the government would act accordingly.

The governor who assured that his administration would be at its best toward surveillance, prevention, and control, called for vigilance and strict adherence to safety norms.