The Governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has announced the relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown declared on April 1, 2020.
Speaking in a broadcast in Asaba, Okowa said the relaxation of the lockdown would come into effect on Thursday April 30, 2020, clarifying that it was to encourage economic activities.
He also announced the continuation of the dusk till dawn curfew (7pm to 6am) which was imposed on April 15, adding that the ban on conferences, sporting activities, people gathering at event centres, and other public engagements remained in place until May 31, 2020.
With regards to weddings and burials, the Governor directed that the number of guests must not exceed 50, and that the social distancing rule of being six feet apart must be observed at such events.
He thanked the residents of the state for their understanding in the measures being put in place by the government to stop the spread of the virus and hunger while the pandemic lasted, pointing out that the lockdown had to a large extent helped to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
He said:
As we gradually relax the restriction of movement, I must caution that is not yet Uhuru; life as we have known it is still a long way off. We must therefore brace ourselves up to adjust to the new normal in all our personal, official and business dealings going forward.
As an administration, we remain irrevocably committed to doing everything necessary to protect the lives and property of citizens in the state, in addition to providing a safe and secure environment for them to pursue their dreams of success and happiness.
In view of the foregoing, it has become necessary to partially lift the ban on movements within the state, effective Thursday, April 30, 2020. This is to enable our people engage in economic/business activities between the hours of 6am and 7pm. Security agencies will be on hand to ensure strict compliance with the time frame.
Our schools (public and private) remain closed until Sunday, May 31, 2020. Entertainment centers, including cinemas, bars and night clubs remain closed until Sunday May 31, 2020.
Restaurants/canteens/beer parlours are to operate on a take-away basis while hotels will be allowed to open (with in-room dining) but their restaurants, bars and night clubs remain closed till further notice.
While transport services (keke, taxis, buses) are allowed to operate, number of passengers shall be as follows: two persons at the back to keke, one person at the front seat, and two persons at the back to a taxi, 10 to 12 persons for a 16-seater/18-seater bus.
Our airports remain closed to passenger traffic till further notice, and I shall be meeting with our religious leaders on Thursday to chart the way forward to our places of worship.
However, all crusades/convention remain banned till further notice.”
