Wike, addressing residents in a state-wide broadcast on August 17,
2020.
The Rivers State Government has directed the re-opening
of all markets in the state with effect from Tuesday next week from
7am to 6pm daily.
Governor Nyesom Wike who announced this in a state-wide
broadcast on Monday stated that Rumukwurushe (Oil Mill) and Oginiba
Slaughter Markets would remain closed.
He warned that as the markets resume business, they must operate
in strict compliance with the established protocols on wearing of
face masks, washing of hands, and maintaining social
distancing.
The governor explained that the government decided to lift the
ban placed on markets to increase the tempo of economic activities
in the state.
“Market managers must provide for hand washing and use of
sanitisers for everyone at the entrance of every market, ensure the
wearing of face mask and maintaining social distancing,” he
insisted.
Governor Wike added, “Any market that opens to the public and
fails to comply strictly with these protocols shall be closed down.
The market managers shall be prosecuted while the contravening
shops shall be forfeited to the state government without
notice.”
According to him, churches can now hold services with 50 per
cent of their hall capacity provided the leadership can enforce
wearing of face masks and washing of hands at the entrance by
worshippers.
The governor said the ban on outdoor sports activities at the
Port Harcourt Club, Golf Club, and the Port Harcourt Polo Club, has
also been lifted.
He asked members of the clubs to also comply with the
established COVID-19 protocols or risk another closure.
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“In addition, all night clubs, cinemas, bars, and in-service
restaurants remain banned until further notice. The established
restrictions on public burials and weddings are also still in
force.
“All Local Government Chairmen are hereby directed to ensure
strict compliance with the protocols in their respective Local
Government Areas,” Governor Wike said.
He added, “We also call on the security agencies to support the
state government to fight against the spread of this disease by
enforcing the wearing of face mask in public places and maintenance
of physical distancing throughout the state.
“Government has increased the state’s capacity for surveillance,
contact tracing, testing and treatment of positive cases in line
with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), oil and gas
companies that provided PCR laboratories.”
The governor disclosed that the government was considering the
request for approval and certification by some private laboratories
to provide sample collection and testing services.
He stated that with the available data on COVID-19 cases, the
measures put in place by the state government were impacting
positively on the efforts to control the spread of the virus.
Governor Wike commended the medical personnel and volunteers who
have continued to render selfless services to check the spread of
the virus.
He also thanked individual and corporate donors who have
supported the state and said their names would be published
soon.
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/08/18/wike-orders-re-opening-of-markets-worship-centres-in-rivers/