the unedited press release:
GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
Following the advice of medical experts and a painstaking review of the coronavirus situation with the state COVID-19 Inter-Ministerial Committee and in our continued determination to protect Abians from the pandemic while also ensuring that the effect of preventive measures on our people is alleviated, Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed as follows:
1. The statewide lockdown is hereby extended from Monday, April 20, 2020.
2. The window of two days, Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2020, is for our people to restock while the total lockdown resumes on Monday, April 20, 2020.
3. Abians are expected to use the two-day restocking window to acquire face masks as it is now compulsory to wear face masks before leaving home.
4. The closure of our borders is still in place. Further directives have been given to those manning the borders to ensure tighter measures are put in place.
The Governor thanks all Abians and those resident in the State for their support and cooperation so far and appeals to them for their continued understanding on this latest arrangement as every effort is deployed by government to ensure the prevention, management and control of the pandemic and protect our people from its scourge.
Thank you.
Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honourable Commissioner for Information
17/04/2020