Akwa Ibom State Government has imposed a
dusk-to-dawn curfew across the state from 8p.m. to 6a.m. with effect from May 4,
2020.
This is one of the major conditions attached to the
relaxation of restriction of movements occasioned by COVID-19 in the state.
Giving an update of expectations from Akwa Ibom
citizens as the state relaxes its economy amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Uyo on Monday,
the Secretary to State Government (SSG), Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, cautioned that no
one, no matter how highly placed, would be allowed to violate the curfew.
Ekuwem reiterated the state Governor, Udom
Emmanuel's earlier insistence on compulsory use of face mask by everyone in
public places.
The state government also used the occasion to
stress that the ban on religious gatherings, hospitality services, social
gatherings, parties, funerals and concerts remains in effect until further
notice.
"All plazas and recreational centres remain
closed. All schools remain closed until further notice. Non-essential inter-state movements remain
prohibited except those involved in agricultural produce or medical personnel
and equipment.
"Markets will be opened three times a week (Mondays,
Wednesdays and Saturdays) between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Face masks must be worn
and social distancing must be observed by all.
All passengers using public transport must make use of face mask.
Tricycles must not convey more than three passengers, including the rider.
"Taxis must carry a maximum of three persons (one
in front and two behind); buses must not
carry more than two persons per row. All
public transport operators must provide hand sanitizers in their vehicles. The ban on commercial motorcycles within Uyo
capital city is still in effect.
"Farmers are allowed to carry out their tasks
and freely transport their food items while wearing face masks and should not
be more than three people on any public transport vehicle. Agricultural produce
will be allowed free and easy movement across the state, but the use of
facemasks must be enforced," he said.
The SSG also used the occasion to appeal to
construction companies to transport their materials within the hours permitted
for movement, or be prepared to sleep by the border if they are caught up by
the curfew.
Accepting the task to enforce the curfew and other
conditions attached to the relaxation of the lockdown, the state Commissioner
of Police, Imohimi Edgal, said his men would be back on the streets to enforce the
use of face mask by the day and the curfew at night.
The state police boss appealed to the state
government to call its elites to order, as no individual or office would be
exempted from the dusk-to-dawn curfew.
He pledged to strengthen the border posts across the
state to ensure that inter-state movement does not occur during the period of
the restrictions.
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