Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state has directed that all schools should be closed till Sunday, May 31st, 2020.
Okowa made this known in a broadcast on Tuesday. He, however, said all borders in and out of the state would remain closed for another two weeks.
He added that “only essential supplies; food, beverages, medicals, pharmaceuticals, petroleum and agricultural products are exempted from this order.”
Mr Okowa also directed that state workers on grade level 12 and above to resume work with effect from Thursday.
Meanwhile, he noted that the order does not apply to junior staff on essential/emergency duties.
He said: “Workers with comorbidities identified by the Ministry of Health or its agencies can work from home. However, workplace protocols should be in place for disease surveillance/prevention, including screening, use of facemasks and social distancing.
“Let me reiterate that security agencies have been advised to ensure strict compliance with the above directives. Violators will be prosecuted, without fear or favour.
“Conferences, sporting activities, gathering of people in convention/event centres, sports fields, public/open spaces, as well as recreational and cultural/communal activities remain banned until 31st May 2020.
“While burials and weddings will be allowed, the social distancing rule (6ft apart) must be applied, and the number of guests/persons must not exceed 50.
“Our schools (public and private) remain closed until Sunday, 31st May 2020. Entertainment centres, including cinemas, bars and night clubs remain closed until Sunday, 31st May 2020.
“Restaurants/Canteens/Beer Parlours are to operate on a take-away basis while hotels will be allowed to open (with in-room dining) but their restaurants, bars and night clubs remain closed till further notice.
“While transport services (Keke, taxis, buses) are allowed to operate, a number of passengers shall be as follows: 2 persons at the back for Keke; one person at the front seat and two persons at the back for a taxi; 10-12 persons for a 16-seater/18-seater bus.”
According to the governor, the airport remains closed to passenger traffic until further notice.
Nevertheless, he disclosed that he would be meeting with the religious leaders on Thursday to chart the way forward for places of worship to be opened.
The governor added that all crusades/conventions remain banned until further notice.
