Pastor, 2 children of COVID-19 patient who died in Rivers test positive

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Friday said two children of a deceased COVID-19 patient in the state and a pastor praying for his recovery have contracted the virus.

The governor stated this while giving an update on efforts by the state government to contain the pandemic, declaring that the wearing of face-masks in public places had become mandatory across the state.

Wike also blamed security operatives deployed to enforce borders’ closure for sabotaging the efforts, accusing them of receiving gratifications to allow people into the state.

He vowed that the borders would be tightened with the inauguration of a Task Force of on Border Closure comprising of Rivers indigenes.

Read also: Ekiti arrests 3 pastors for disturbing public peace

He said: “The wearing of face mask in all public places is now compulsory throughout the state.”

“The State Security Council will meet in the next 24 hours to consider and approve necessary mitigating measures for commuters, including the deployment of government buses to shuttle designated public places.”

The Governor also warned traditional rulers of recalcitrant suburbs, including traders who have consistently defied the closedown of market places and other areas.

He threatened he would not hesitate to totally lock down those areas.

According to the governor, the areas facing the axe include Rumuokoro, Rumukurushi and Elimgbu, and the Oil Mill Market, which he vowed could remain under lock and keys for the remainder of his tenure unless residents comply with the lockdown order.

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