TheCable

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, has threatened to reimpose lockdown in the state, if the coronavirus case count records a significant increase.

Wike stated this on Monday, in a statewide broadcast.

While expressing concern over the refusal of residents to comply with the protocol for preventing the spread of infections, he encouraged people to get vaccinated against the virus.

“Fellow citizens, let me also draw your attention to the alarming rate of transmission of the COVID-19 pandemic in our state. The daily figures released from the NCDC show that both the transmission and death rates in the last two weeks have consistently been on a rising spiral, because residents and visitors to the state have largely abandoned their responsibility to comply with the existing COVID-19 protocol,” he said.

“Clearly, we are headed for a serious health disaster of profound consequences if residents and visitors continue to behave as if the pandemic no longer exists or impotent in Rivers state.

“This is a big lie and we cannot afford to continue to close our eyes to the dangers such irresponsible behaviour poses to the health, lives and livelihood of everyone.

“Accordingly, I wish to remind residents of the subsisting protocol on regular washing of hands and use of alcohol-based sanitiser; maintaining social distancing; wearing of face masks at all public places, including transport vehicles, and going for immediate testing and treatment whenever you notice any of the symptoms.

“Furthermore, it has been proven that vaccination saves lives here and across the world, and those refusing to take the vaccines for no certified medical reason should know that they are endangering the rest of the citizens.

“I, therefore, appeal to all residents to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and the rest of the citizens by getting your jab at the designated health centres in the 23 local government areas of the state as they become available.

“I also appeal to religious leaders and churches to convince and encourage their followers and members to please go out and take the vaccines and comply with the COVID-19 protocol in addition.

“Although it remains our desire to keep the state open and allow citizens to go about their social, religious and economic activities unimpeded, we may be constrained to re-imposed the suspended COVID-19 lockdown measures across the state if the transmission of the disease continues to increase beyond tolerable limits.”

During the previous lockdown in Rivers state, Wike had ordered the demolition of some buildings for violating the COVID protocol, while cars seized during the period were auctioned.