COVID-19: Ayade urges residents to commence personal lockdown

The Cross River State governor Professor Ben Ayade has urged residents of the state to commence a personal lockdown to forestall the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

Professor Ayade explained that the recent decision of the Federal government in relaxing the ban on interstate movement means the state no longer has powers to restrict movement and residents need to take the lead in protecting themselves.

The governor made this known in Calabar during a meeting with members of the COVID-19 Response Team led by its chairperson, Dr Betta Edu.

He said: “As a resident of the state, if you think that by easing the lockdown, you are now safer, no, now you are more in danger, this is a time for you to commence personal lockdown.

“At this point, the state has been handed over to the Federal government; all our borders are now opened following the lifting of the ban on interstate movement.

“Residents of the state must know that we no longer have control of our boindaries, we have surrendered to the supremacy of the Federal government”, he said.

He commended the people of the state for standing by the government during the first phase of the pandemic saying the state finished strong despite all odds.

He commended the federal ministry of health as well as the National Center for Diseases Control for championing a world class response to the pandemic.

He said the COVID-19 Team will continue to be on the road to keep an eye on the people and donated 30 million naira to the team in appreciation of their untiring efforts.

Earlier, the Chairperson of the COVID-19 Response Team and Commissioner for Health Dr Betta Edu thanked the governor for giving everything to ensure the state is free from the virus.

She also thanked her colleagues for sacrificing their comfort and spending endless nights on the road and numerous border points to ensure the safety of the state.

AB Aniekan