The Adamawa State Government has imposed a two-week lockdown across the state, as part of measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The state governor, Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, in a statement on Monday, said the lockdown takes effect from midnight Tuesday, 31st March, 2020.
He said the decision, though painful, was necessary to save lives of all citizens in the state, as the number of confirmed cases hit 111 nationwide.
He reiterated that inter-state and international travel restrictions are also imposed as the state shares borders with Cameroon.
Fintiri explained that the ban also affects taxis, tricycles and bus operators throughout the state.
He said the earlier directive given to workers on Grade 1-14 to stay at home was not strictly adhered to, hence the need for total lockdown in the state.
The governor also said that social activities and markets are restricted with the exception of Pharmaceutical, Filling Station, food stores and banks who may operate skeletal services.
“Social activities such as clubbing and Joints are banned; Markets are also hereby restricted, except for those selling food items, Pharmaceuticals, Filling Stations, while Banks are to provide skeletal services,” he said.
He called on the people of Adamawa to ensure basic hygiene, hand washing and avoid crowded places.
“Measures are aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus outbreak that has hobbled the economy, threatened to overwhelm public healthcare and killed more people than any other disease. We all have to forgo something for the good of Adamawa State,” he stated.