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COVID-19: Abia extends lockdown by 7 days

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It’ll be foolish for anybody not to back Obi, S-East govs not against him —Gov Ikpeazu

Residents of Abia State are to continue to observe the COVID-19 lockdown in the state by another seven days beginning from April 8, the state government said on Wednesday.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, adding that the extension had become necessary to confirm if indeed the state is free of the virus, stressing that the normal incubation period for the virus is 14 days.

According to Ezem, the state government is aware of the hardship the lockdown has brought to the people, adding that it is better to live with temporary inconvenience than to expose residents to the disease while searching for comfort.

The SSG, who noted that NCDC is still tracking over 2,000 suspected cases of the virus across the country, warned that the situation calls for extra vigilance, even as the suspected persons are not from the state.

Read also: PDP playing “irresponsible politics” for saying COVID-19 stimulus package is ‘over hyped’ —Lagos APC

He however assured that the state government will continue to distribute equipment and food throughout the period.

“Abia State Government hereby announces the extension of the lockdown by seven days effective from Wednesday, April 8, 2020. This extension is necessary to confirm that we are indeed free of the virus. This is because the normal incubation period for the virus is 14 days.

“Government is aware of the hardship and inconvenience this situation has brought upon our people. But it is better to live with temporary inconvenience than to expose ourselves to this disease in search of comfort. Within this period, government will continue to distribute some food items, sanitizers and face masks which commenced officially today.

“Government hereby directs all the various enforcement teams at the state and local government levels as well as all security agencies to continue the enforcement of the directives on lockdown at the borders, markets, transport operators, religious groups and all forms of public gathering”, the SSG said.

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