By Austin Ajayi, Yola
Following the confirmation of the index case Covid19 in Adamawa last Wednesday, the State Government has imposed another 14 days lockdown throughout the State.
The lockdown which will take effect from midnight on Friday 24th April, 2020 will be for a period of fourteen (14) days and will end on Friday midnight 8th May 2020.
In a press statement signed by the DG Media and Communications, Government House Yola, Mr. Solomon Kumangar said “as
Painful as the decision is, it is the aftermath of the First COVID-19 index case recorded in the State through a returnee from Kano state”
Noting that the Government is therefore left with no option than to go for lockdown in the overall interest of saving lives and to contain the spread.
“Government has successfully commenced contacts tracing and testing which will be followed by isolation and treatment of positive cases”.
Stressing that “Gov. Fintiri appeals for the cooperation understanding of the people, insisting that despite the hardship this will entail, there is no alternative to the latest lockdown”
Adding that in view of the fact that COVID-19 which has no cure for now and is spreading like a wild fire throughout the country, movement and gatherings in whatever form are prohibited throughout the period.
The statement however, exempted those on verifiable essential duty such as Security, Media, Health and Water Board Personnel, while Financial Institutions like Banks, will operate skeletal services.
Others exempted from the lockdown include pharmaceuticals, and those selling food items only.
“Government will not allow the irresponsibility of a few to lead to the death of many”.
While appealing to citizens to embrace the rudiments of basic hygiene like regular hand washing with soap, sanitizers where obtainable, social distancing and use of face masks, the governor said mobile court will be set-up to try and prosecute offenders.
“we must all act together and willingly give up our personal freedom in exchange for our collective survival from the COVID-19 pandemic”
“The pains we must all endure are only the unintended consequences of Government’s commitment to save the lives of every citizens” the statement added.
