Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State has directed an immediate closure of all markets in the state.
He has also banned Jumma’at prayers and Sunday church services.
The governor gave the directives in an address read by his Deputy, Alhaji Haruna Manu, on Wednesday.
Darius said the address was intended to give people of the state an update on the situation of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.
He said the traders were informed before hand of the government’s decisions to close down markets and shops in the state from April 1, 2020.
Ishaku said, so far, no case of COVID-19 has been reported in the state.
He said only shops that offer essential services such as food stores, medical shops and petrol service stations will be allowed to operate.
He also disclosed that two hospitals – the Federal Medical Center, Jalingo and the Specialists Hospital, Jalingo – were designated as isolation centres, adding that funds have been allocated to equip the two centers.
The governor also warned against hoarding and hike in price of food items.
