COVID-19: Bayelsa imposes dusk-to-dawn curfew

The Bayelsa state government has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew as part of renewed efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Ayebaina Duba, the state commissioner for information, orientation and strategy, announced the development on Friday.

According to Duba, the curfew will take effect from May 16 and will be in force until further notice.

Duba further advised motorists to note that entry into the state during curfew hours will not be allowed.

He added that movement within and out of the state through the major entry points — including Bayelsa/Delta states boundary at Adagbabiri, GloryLand Drive at Igbogene and Bayelsa/Rivers states boundary at Mbiama — are prohibited during the hours of the curfew.

Bayelsa has recorded 886 cases, 855 recoveries and 26 COVID-19 related deaths.

Meanwhile, the state’s restriction on movement comes days after the federal government imposed midnight curfew and banned mass gatherings as part of measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

Announcing the decision at a media briefing on Monday, Mukhtar Mohammed, national incident manager of the presidential steering committee on COVID-19, said event centres and non-essential public places such as night clubs will remain closed till further notice.