COVID-19: Okowa Announces Lockdown In Delta, Shuts Asaba Airport, Borders

By Daniel Dafe
The Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, on Thursday, March 26, 2020, announced the lockdown of all activities in the state and closure of all land borders in and out of the state, as the state government intensified efforts to make the state safe from the Coronavirus pandemic.
In a state broadcast in Asaba, the third in one week, Governor Okowa added that the Asaba Airport will be shut.
He said: “As promised, we have continued to monitor and review developments concerning this global pandemic on a daily if not hourly basis. Although there has been no confirmed case in Delta, nevertheless, we deem it fit to take further measures to avert any outbreak or contain its spread if it occurs.
“Consequently, after a meeting with the Central Committee on Managing/Containing the Coronavirus Pandemic headed by me, several far-reaching decisions were made, and I hereby order as follows: Asaba airport is to close to traffic effective from Friday, March 27, 2020 by 6pm.
“All land borders into and out of Delta are to be shut effective 6am, Sunday, March 29, 2020. All businesses-malls, supermarkets, markets and shops are to close from Wednesday, April 1, 2020,” as he directed all residents in the State to stay at home from Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
He continued: “Food sellers are to conduct their businesses within the precinct of their homes and are required to strictly adhere to the social distancing rules. Deltans are advised that there will be increased security presence on the streets and land borders to ensure strict compliance with these directives.
“These restrictions are for two weeks in the first instance but do not apply to persons providing essential services namely; Security, Healthcare (Pharmacies are to remain open), Water, Fire, Power, Essential Departments of Media Houses, Essential Departments of Telecommunications companies. Officials of these agencies/companies must carry valid identification tags to ensure easy identification and smooth passage.
“I urge all Deltans to adjust to the new normal and cooperate with the Government and law enforcement agencies. Drastic as these measures may seem, they are for our collective good. At the same time, we must keep on praying to God to save us from the seismic effects of this global pandemic.”