Niger state extends lockdown by two weeks due to increase in COVID-19 cases

Extension of the State COVID-19 Preventive, Containment and Emergency Order by two weeks has been announced by the Governor Sani Bello of Niger state due to the increase in COVID19 cases in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG) and Chairman, Niger State Task Force on COVID-19 Pandemic, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane on Thursday morning.

Matane disclosed that the extension of the lockdown is as a result of the increase of confirmed cases in the state and the need to protect people of the State from contracting coronavirus.

In the statement, the Governor reminded that the people of the State to adhere strictly to the safety protocols of COVID-19 such as the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places, observance of social distancing, regular handwashing with soap under running water, application of hand sanitizers and stay at home as advised by health workers.

Furthermore, there shall be no human and vehicular movements on the lockdown days except those on essential services, adding that the three days window period of Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays remain, the statement added.

The Governor disclosed that movement within border areas remain restricted and monitored except for those on essential services, stressing that even those eligible to cross into the State will be examined and screened thoroughly by medical personnel.

According to the statement

“Public and Private Schools, as well as Tertiary Institutions, remain closed while social activities that involve more than twenty people stand prohibited”.

He further stated operations of commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada remain banned while other commercial vehicles abide by the Ministry of Transport guidelines.

The SSG urged the people of the State to support Government intentions which are designed to keep everyone safe from the dreaded disease, stressing that coronavirus remains very infectious and disruptive disease, therefore called for collective action to curb the spread of the COVID-19 in the State.