Following an increase in the cases of COVID-19 infection, Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has placed seven local government areas of his State on red alert.
Governor Okowa disclosed this in a statement he personally signed on Saturday, while deploring the rising cases of the virus in the state.
He listed the seven councils to include Oshimili South, Warri South, Uvwie, Oshimili North, Ughelli North, Ethiope West, and Sapele.
Okowa, whose daughter recently contracted the COVID-19, particularly advised residents of the LGAs that are most affected by the virus, to be on red alert.
He ordered that henceforth, banks, supermarkets, malls, stores, salons, and motorists MUST admit limited persons per time and strictly enforce the physical/social distancing rule.
Okowa said, “My dear Deltans, this is a clarion call to arms. We must brace up and take responsibility for our collective health and safety NOW.
“It is very worrisome that many of our people still walk the streets without wearing a face mask or even observing physical/social distancing.
“In addition to providing hand wash stations/alcohol-based sanitizers, banks, salons, supermarkets, stores, and malls MUST deny entry to patrons without facemasks. Where there is more than one person, occupants of private vehicles MUST also wear face masks.
“The number of guests at social events – weddings, funerals, traditional marriages – should not exceed 50 with appropriate physical distance set in place. People without face masks MUST be turned back. I also implore our religious houses to implement all the safety protocols as agreed.
“Residents in the most affected local governments – Oshimili South, Warri South, Uvwie, Oshimili North, Ughelli North, Ethiope West, and Sapele – are particularly advised to be on red alert.
“Let me emphasise once again that the coronavirus disease is real, and anybody can contact it. It is neither a rich man’s nor a poor man’s disease. Anybody can be affected.
“I call on every resident in the State to act responsibly to protect yourself and others, and do not forget to continue praying for God’s merciful intervention to stop this raging pandemic. Together we shall beat this virus.”
Governor Okowa said it had become obvious that community transmission of the virus had reached an alarming and frightening proportion.