COVID-19: Governor Wike of Rivers State, Orders Opening Of Markets

Governor Wike of Rivers State has directed the reopening of all markets in the state with effect from Tuesday, August 18, 2020.

Wike said in state wide broadcast that markets are to operate from 7:00am to 6:00pm daily.

Meanwhile Nyesom Wike, said that Rumukwurushe (Oil Mill) and Oginiba Slaughter markets remain closed.

He urge the traders to operate on strict compliance with covid-19 guidelines.

He said, “Market managers must provide for hand washing and use of sanitizers for everyone at the entrance of every market, ensure wearing of face mask and maintaining social distancing. 

“Any market that opens to the public and fails to comply strictly with these protocols shall be closed down. The market managers shall be prosecuted while the contravening shops shall be forfeited to the state government without notice.

“Similarly, churches can now hold services with 50 per cent of their hall capacity provided the leadership can enforce wearing of face masks and washing of hands at the entrance by worshippers. 

“The ban on outdoor sports activities at the Port Harcourt Club, Golf Club and the Port Harcourt Polo Club is also lifted. 

“Members of these clubs must also comply with the established COVID-19 protocols or risk another closure. 

“In addition, all night clubs, cinemas, bars and in-service restaurants remain banned until further notice. The established restrictions on public burials and weddings are also still in force.

“All local government chairmen are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the protocols in their respective areas. 

“We also call on the security agencies to support the state government to fight against the spread of this disease by enforcing the wearing of face mask in public places and maintenance of physical distancing throughout the state.

“Government has increased the state’s capacity for surveillance, contact tracing, testing and treatment of positive cases in line with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, oil and gas companies that provided PCR laboratories. 

“We are also considering the request for approval and certification by some private laboratories to provide sample collection and testing services.”