Ebonyi Government has ordered an immediate shut down of all government offices in the state with effect from Thursday, 4th June to Wednesday, 10th June, 2020.
The directive came today from the state Governor, Dave Umahi, after 75 persons out of the total 3000 persons tested in the state, turned out positive for coronavirus.
Among the infected persons were members of the State Executive Council from the Ministries of Finance and Budget.
A statement Thursday, by Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation and acting Commissioner, Human Capital Development and Monitoring, said the Governor is concerned about the spate in cases of coronavirus in the state.
He said in view of the development, the governor passionately appeals to citizens of the state living outside the state, to avoid the risk of returning to the state, as records have shown that the positive cases hitherto recorded, were those who returned from the epicentre states.
According to him, the Governor further pleads for compliance with the NCDC COVID-19 Protocols, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places.
“Whereas we have discharged a total of 26 COVID-19 cases and 49 cases still receiving treatment and in stable conditions, the Governor is disturbed about the way and manner some State Executive Council members were infected, although they are also in stable conditions. To ensure effective contact tracing, he has directed that all Government offices be shut down from Thursday, 4th June 2020 and resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020.
“All civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives,” he said.
Orji said the government has further directed the commencement of comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complex while all Exco members and Government officials, especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget, are advised to undergo COVID-19 test within these seven days.
“The Governor further advises that during this period of the closedown of Government offices, all workers, especially from the two Ministries aforementioned, should go into self-isolation. All site operations shall, however, remain open, but must be in strict observance of COVID-19- protocols,” Orji maintained.
