Akwa Ibom State Government has announced the extension of the lockdown order in the state by one week.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, who announced the extension in a statement on Thursday, however, said that residents would be allowed seven hours each on Friday and Saturday to enable them to restock and get medical supplies.
He said that the lockdown measure also affects Jumat services on Friday and Church services on Sunday.
The statement said, “The lockdown will be responsibly and carefully lifted on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April, 2020 from 6am to 1pm of each day to enable Akwa Ibomites re-stock foodstuffs and any prescribed medications. Lockdown will be enforced after 1 pm on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April, 2020.
“All preventive measures earlier announced by the Akwa Ibom State Government COVID-19 medical management team remain in force during and after the seven-hour respite on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 April, 2020.
“Lockdown enforcement includes Jumat services on Friday 17 April and church services on Sunday 19 April, 2020. Akwa Ibom State Government will continue to monitor and review the COVID-19 situation globally and nationally in general and in our state in particular so as to respond speedily and appropriately to protect the health of our citizens.”
