Borno extends COVID-19 lockdown by seven days

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has announced the extension of the coronavirus lockdown in the state by one week.

This is coming as the country's cases rise to over 3000 infections and at least 100 deaths, according to the NCDC's report.

The lockdown extension is a “painful, but necessary” decision, according to Governor Zulum, during a broadcast on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

“It would have been better for a complete relaxation of the lockdown measures, if we had an effective vaccine or if the infection rate is declining by the day.

“The available statistics show an increase in coronavirus cases on daily basis and cause mainly by community transmission. For now, social distancing and lockdown are the only veritable options to limit community transmission in the absence of any effective vaccine to fight the pandemic. The pandemic is real and we must face it.

“I have extended the lockdown measure by a week but directed tomorrow Thursday May 7 and Friday May as well as Monday May 11, 2020 to open up for a period between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enable petty business and markets to flourish so that families can access essential food items.

“We will review the situation next week Wednesday, May 13, 2020 and the COVID-19 Committee will announce the fundamental strategies to be observed and regulations to be followed in the fight against the pandemic, within the relaxation period.

“However, government will not hesitate to renew lockdown orders if the people are not willing to adhere to guidelines,” Zulum said.

The governor said that to avert the danger of the spread of the virus through community transmission, his administration would ensure the ban on interstate travel and ensure strict observance of all the hygienic practices such as washing of hands, use of facemask and hand sanitisers as well as social distancing.

“Government is not unmindful of the hardship resulting from the lockdown of businesses and workplaces. We are aware of the plight of our compatriots at the IDP camps, the widows, the vulnerables and the very poor in their places of abode.

“The situation is not easy even with the average and well-to-do in the society. It is a war situation requiring supreme sacrifice and endurance as well as solidarity to survive the onslaught of an invisible enemy.[Premium Times]