Governor Umahi Shuts Down Ebonyi Government Offices As Cabinet Members Contract Coronavirus

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has ordered the immediate closure of all government offices following the way and manner some members of State Executive Council were being infected by COVID-19.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, the governor directed that government offices would be closed from Thursday June 4 to Wednesday June 10.

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He noted that all Exco members and Government officials, especially those working in the Ministries of Finance and Budget are advised to undergo the COVID-19 test within seven days period.

Orji added that all civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives.

“The Governor is concerned about the number of coronavirus cases recorded in the state which has unfortunately risen to 75 out of over 3, 000 samples tested.

“Whereas we have discharged a total of 26 COVID-19 cases and 49 cases still receiving treatment and in stable conditions, the Governor is disturbed about the way and manner some State Executive Council members were infected, although they are also in stable conditions.

“In order to ensure effective contact tracing, he has directed that all Government offices be shut down from Thursday,4th June 2020, and resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020.

“All civil servants shall work from their respective homes within this period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives.

“The Governor further directs Dr Richard Nnabo and his team to commence comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complexes.

“All Exco members and Government officials, especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget, are advised to undergo COVID-19 test within this seven days period.

“The Governor further advises that during this period of close down of Government offices, all workers, especially from the two Ministries aforementioned, should go into self-isolation.

“All site operations shall, however, remain open but must be in strict observance of COVID-19- protocols,” the statement reads.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ebonyi state recorded 63 cases of coronavirus that have infected 11,166 persons across the country.