CORONAVIRUS: Abia bans weddings, burials, other ceremonies above 30 people

The Abia State Government on Wednesday banned social functions, including weddings and burials, that attract more than 30 people, as one of the measures taken to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

The state government also said religious gatherings that attract more than 50 people have also been banned for the next one month.

The state Commissioner of Information, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, in a statement in Umuahia, the state capital, said while night club activities was banned in the state, hotels and hospitality establishments are directed to screen guests/staff and provide hand sanitisers before they are lodged or allowed access to the facility.

The state government also mandated such hotels to report immediately suspicious cases with full personal details and contact information to the appropriate authority.

Ministries, departments, agencies and LGA offices in the state are to operate at a maximum of 20% staff strength from Monday March 30, until further notice.

The statement read in part: “Henceforth, all tricycles (Keke) operators in the state should carry only a maximum of 2 passengers per time and they must sit at the back with only the rider in front.

“Mini buses popularly called “Oke Bekee” are to carry only 5 passengers per time while 14-seater buses are to carry only a maximum of 5 passengers per time with none in front except the driver.

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“All inter-state bus parks or terminals must procure and deploy digital thermometers for screening of inbound and outbound passengers as well as provide hand sanitizers and hand washing materials for use by all staff and passengers or risk immediate closure.

“All residents of the state are strongly advised to practice social distancing by sitting/standing a minimum of 1.5m apart while discussing with each other, maintain good hygiene practices and general environmental awareness

“All Abians, visitors, and residents are advised to call the Abia Tele-Health Center via 0700 ABIA DOC or 0700 2242 362 for enquiries on Coronavirus and reporting of health concerns.

“Those who suspect that they have symptoms of Coronavirus are strongly advised to call the Abia Tele-Health number 07002242362 for dispatch of ambulances or mobile clinics to pick them up.”

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