COVID-19: Akeredolu Orders Closure of Malls, Markets And Shops For 7 Days

The Governor of Ondo State, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has ordered the closure of all markets, malls and shops in the state for 7 days, with immediate effect. This is to help fight against the spread of Coronavirus.

The state had earlier banned educational institutions, social and political gathering earlier in the week for 14 days.

Akeredolu would join the list of governors who have taken this drastic step to tackle the spread of COVID-19.

This statement was issued through the Commissioner of Information and Orientation in Ondo State, Mr Donald Ojogo on Tuesday.

In the statement, Ojogo said social gatherings in beer parlours and pepper soup joints were banned indefinitely. This decision according to Ojogo, was taken at the state executive meeting on March 23, as efforts to curb the spread of the Coronavirus intensify.

“Under this fresh directive, which is for a period of seven days in the first instance, only the sale of life-saving and sustaining items like food, water and medicals shall be allowed,” he said.

Mr Ojogo also explained that all official engagements of the government have either been cancelled or put on hold as all energies are directed to fight COVID-19.

“This directive includes courtesy calls and other engagements already approved and scheduled prior to this time and shall suffice for a period of 14 days in the first instance.

“Similarly, Akeredolu reiterates that the suspension of political gatherings and meetings is still in force.

“In this regard, any form of open campaign for the forthcoming local government elections in the state should be discontinued for the meantime.

“The governor seeks the co-operation and understanding of all residents in the state as he works assiduously to keep the state safe from COVID-19,” he said.
Recall that only one suspected case, a United States Returnee, has been recorded in Ondo State and the result came back negative.