Although no coronavirus case has been officially recorded in Cross River state, the state government has announced a complete lockdown, closed down all educational institution, both private and public, and shifted indefinitely the local government elections scheduled for this Saturday, March 28.
A press release signed by Governor Ben Ayade’s chief press secretary/special adviser media, Mr Christian Ita, Monday evening read in part: “In view of the reality of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade, has issued the following directives: All the entry points into Cross River State (land, air and water) are hereby locked down. Access will be based on passing a thorough screening regime.
“The local government council elections scheduled to hold Saturday, March 28, 2020, is suspended indefinitely. All educational institutions in the state, both public and private must shut down by tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, 2020 until further notice.
“Civil servants, except those on essential services (medical personnel and revenue officers), should with immediate effect, stay away from work for an initial period of two weeks.
“All social, cultural and religious activities are hereby suspended and essential activities must not have a crowd beyond five persons. Every tricycle and taxi can carry only one passenger at a time and must have hand sanitizers for use by their passengers. Buses are henceforth permitted to have only two passengers on a seat with the drivers mandated to sanitize their vehicles after every trip.
