Akwa Ibom State government has re-emphasized that the use of face masks by all persons in public places is now compulsory and would be fully enforced.

Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, COVID-19 Management Team, Doctor Emmanuel Ekuwem, who stated this while giving more highlights on the Relaxation of Restrictions of Movements occasioned by COVID 19 recently announced by the state governor, stressed that all passengers using public transportation must make use of face masks while operators of such vehicles must provide hand sanitizers in their vehicles.

While warning that the dusk-to-dawn curfew announced all over the State from 8pm to 6am will be effectively enforced, the SSG enjoined public transport operators to also adhere strictly to the number of passengers per trip to avoid sanctions.

According to him, the ban on religious gatherings, parties, funerals and concerts remains in force until further notice, while all plazas and recreational centers remain closed, adding that all schools remain closed until further notice.

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Doctor Ekuwem who noted that Markets will be opened only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, again appealed to the people for understanding as the measures put in place were not meant to punish them, but to ensure public safety and health of the state.

By Jane Uwa

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