COVID-19: Govt Imposes Fresh Curfew, Issues Guidelines

The Delta State government has announced a fresh curfew as a result of the rising cases of Coronavirus infection in the state.

The state government in a statement on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Chiedu Ebie said the curfew will be operational between 10 p.m. – 4 a.m. daily.

The statement added that the curfew becomes operational immediately so as to curb the rising cases of COVID-19 infection in the state and avoid a resurgence of the pandemic.

Residents have been urged to ensure maximum compliance as security operatives have been directed to deal with violators.

The statement added that earlier directives on the closure of night clubs remain in place and residents are expected to observe all COVID-19 protocols including the use of face masks, social distancing, and regular handwashing.

He said: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans and residents in the State, that as a result of the rising incidence of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic currently being experienced in the country, the Delta State Government will commence the enforcement of the nationwide COVID-19 curfew imposed by the Federal Government from 10 p.m – 4 a.m daily with effect from Friday, 29th January 2021.

“In view of this, the State Government wishes to reiterate that the guidelines earlier issued on the closure of night clubs across the state still subsists and should be complied with.

“In the same vein, the government wishes to restate the standard COVID-19 protocols for the guidance of all and these include:

“Wearing of face masks in public places; avoiding crowded places; physical distancing; regular handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

“Deltans, residents and owners/operators of public places and establishments are strongly advised to comply with these directives as there shall be strict enforcement by security agencies in line with the Federal Government Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Protection Regulations 2021 signed into effect by the President Muhammadu Buhari on 26th January 2021.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has given updated figures on the number of confirmed new cases of Coronavirus disease infection in Nigeria for Thursday, 28th January, 2021.

The update which was released in the afternoon of Friday, 29th January 2021, now includes figures from Lagos State which were previously not reported.

It will be recalled that the NCDC had earlier put Thursday’s figures at 864 new cases, with confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria up to 127,024 which includes 100,853 discharged cases and 1,547 deaths.

However, with the updated figures on Friday, which now includes 536 cases from Lagos State, 1,400 new confirmed COVID-19 cases were recorded in Nigeria on Thursday, 28th January.

This brings the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria to 127,560 which includes 101,511 discharged cases and 1,550 deaths.