The Rivers state government has announced a lockdown on Bonny local government area and Onne in Eleme local government area following rising cases of corona virus.
The lockdown takes effect from Sunday June 21 2020.
The state Governor, Nyesom Wike made the announcement in a statewide broadcast on Saturday.
He said’ Pursuant to the fundamental objective of stopping the spread of coronavirus, we have reviewed the situation in Bonny Island and Onne Communities and come to the conclusion that a total lockdown is necessary at this time to shut down the continuing spread of the virus in these Communities. ‘
In view of the lockdown, the Governor has enforced ban on all forms of gathering including burial, religious activities and wedding.while shops and business premises must remain closed.
Governor Wike said that security agencies have been directed to enforce the lockdown by arresting and prosecuting anyone who violates the government directive. .
He said that only those on essential duties are excepted from the lockdown
The governor noted that with a total of 886 positive cases, out of 2572 tested samples, the state it becoming the next epicentre of the virus in the south south region of the country.
He said within this period, the state has recorded 30 deaths while 356 cases were discharged.
The governor further explained that the state recorded 127 new cases on Saturday leaving the Isolation centres overwhelmed.
Bonny Island and Onne community are host to multinationals.
Onne is host to West Africa Container Terminal WACT, Oil and Gas Free Zone, The Nigerian Ports Authority, and shipping lines.
On the other hand, Bonny hosts The Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Shell, Agip , and Total.
