COVID-19 Delta Variant: Panic in Rivers as Governor Wike threatens fresh lockdown
Fear, panic engulf Rivers State residents as Governor, Nyesom Wike threatened to re-impose a state-wide curfew if they do not follow the COVID-19 rules.
He made the threat during a televised broadcast in Port Harcourt on Monday, decrying the rise in daily COVID-19 infections and fatalities.
While stating that his administration is dedicated to keeping the state open and allowing individuals to go about their social, religious, and economic activities without interruption, the governor requested religious leaders to encourage their followers to get the vaccine.
“If disease transmission continues to rise above bearable levels, we may be forced to re-impose the suspended COVID-19 lockdown measures across the state,” the governor added. “Furthermore, vaccinations have been proved to save lives here and around the world, and individuals who refuse to get vaccines for non-medical reasons should be aware that they are putting the rest of the citizens in danger.
“I, therefore, call to all inhabitants to help safeguard themselves, their loved ones, and the rest of the people by receiving their vaccinations as soon as they become available at the authorized health centers in the state’s 23 local government areas.”
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Wike chided individuals who disregard their responsibilities to follow the rules. He condemned the fact that the scenario has resulted in spiraling numbers of both transmission and mortality cases.
He cautioned residents and visitors in the oil-rich state that they were “on the verge of a severe health crisis with far-reaching ramifications” if they continued to act as if the epidemic didn’t exist or was ineffective in Rivers State.
“This is a giant falsehood, and we can’t afford to keep blinding ourselves to the hazards that such irresponsible behavior poses to everyone’s health, life, and livelihood.”
On the way forward, the governor called on the people to adhere to the subsisting protocols such as regular washing of hands and use of alcohol-based sanitiser, as well as maintaining social distancing and regular wearing of face masks at all public places.
