Rivers, Ebonyi close schools, clubs, restrict religious activities

• Reedeemer’s University Shuts Down
• Lufthansa Suspends All Flights
• Kwara Gov Sends Civil Servants On Annual Leave

All schools in Rivers state have been closed and all religious organisations directed to restrict activities because of the global coronavirus pandemic. Governor Nyesom Wike stated this in a statewide broadcast yesterday, saying the action was taken in the interest of the state.

He said the closure affects all public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions and the state is alert to address any situation. He added that the state ministry of health has also been empowered to set up intervention resources, disclosing that 158 Surveillance and Ad-hoc personnel have been trained. In addition, he explained that one treatment centre, holding centers in the two teaching hospitals and all general hospitals in the state are fully functional and the state has redoubled surveillance at the airports, seaports, waterways and land routes.

Lufthansa yesterday announced that due to the current global situation, flights out of Nigeria are suspended from 23 March 2020 until 19 April 2020 and the last flights from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt will operate on Sunday 22 March 2020, to resume on 20 April 2020.

Also, all schools and nightclubs have been shut down with religious activities restricted in Ebonyi to combat the spread of corona virus. In a statement by Governor Umahi, he directed that all schools including tertiary institutions be shut. He also directed the Ministry of Health and State Committee on Anti Corona Virus to deploy all health officers round the state to carry out tests on people randomly.

In related news, Redeemer’s University through its Senate has approved the indefinite suspension of lectures for students to go home pending the time the country would resolve the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Registrar, Oluwakayode Akindele, the Senate took the decision after a university wide consultation with its stakeholders.

Also, the Kwara State Government has directed that all civil servants under its employment due for annual leave should proceed with immediate effect on vacation. A statement from the office of the State Head of Service, Susan Modupe Oluwole and signed by her Chief Press Secretary, Murtala Atoyebi yesterday said the directive explained was to enable such workers pay adequate attention to the needs of family members and checking the spread of the virus.