Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has directed the shutting down of all government offices in the State from Thursday to pave way decontermination.
This followed the infection of some Executive Council members with the Covid-19 virus.
The Governor stated this in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Orji Uchenna Orji.
He expressed concerned over the increased number of Coronavirus cases recorded in the state which it said has risen to 75 out of the over 3,000 sample tests conducted.
According to the statement, 26 COVID-19 cases have been treated and discharged while 49 cases are still receiving treatment and in stable conditions.
Although he did not give the names of the cabinet members who tested positive to the virus , the Governor described the situation as disturbing.
He noted that the cabinet members who tested positive are currently receiving treatment and are all in stable conditions.
Mr Orji said that In order to ensure effective contact tracing, the Governor has directed that all Government offices be shutdown 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”.
“In view of this development, the State Governor passionately appeals to all sons and daughters of Ebonyi State who are living outside the shores of the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state, as records have shown that the positive cases hitherto recorded in the state were those who returned from the epicentre states.
“The Governor further pleads with our people to take seriously the NCDC COVID-19 Protocol, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places, moreso as we have entered into another phase of spread of COVID-19 called community transmission”
The Commissioner further said that the Governor has directed Dr Richard Nnabo and his team to commence comprehensive decontamination of Government offices including the new and old Government House complex.
“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 protocol.’
Governor Umahi however commended all those who have made concerted efforts in the fight against Coronavirus pandemic.