The Akwa Ibom State Government has ordered workers to stay at home for one week to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.
It also suspended flight operations and closed its boundaries with neighbouring states.
In a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem, on Thursday in Uyo and made available to newsmen, he said the directive which was on the order of Governor Udom Emmanuel was in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ekuwem said salaries of workers under the employment of the State Government will be paid today (Thursday), noting that from Monday, 30th March 2020, workers should stay at home for one week.
He stated that Ibom Air will suspend flight operations from Sunday, March 29, 2020 while all boundaries and roads leading in and out of the state will be immediately closed.
He noted that only the transportation of food items will be allowed, while markets will remain open for the sale of foodstuff and other essential materials.
The SSG encouraged all Churches to fast and pray on Sunday 29th March, 2020 for God’s mercy, and urged residents of the state to adhere to the preventive measures against the disease, adding that the one week stay-at-home order will be enforced.
“Salaries of state government workers for the month of March will be paid today, Thursday, March 26, 2020.
“Workers are advised to prepare to stop going to work and stay at home for one (1 ) week with effect from Monday 30 March, 2020. The stay-at-home order will be strongly enforced”
