Markets, worship centres to reopen as Adamawa, Gombe lift lockdown

The governments of Adamawa and Gombe have lifted the lockdown in their states.

Both states had ordered the lockdown as a measure to curb the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement on Thursday, Humwashi Wonosikou, press secretary to Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, said churches, mosques and markets can now open for activities.

“Churches, Mosques and the international cattle markets under lockdown can now reopen, but must ensure social distancing with no more than 50 people at a time,” the statement read.

“Other measures include provision of hand sanitisers or washing of hands and temperature checks at the point of entry.

“Government now believes the contagion rate is low enough to justify a cautious easing of the restriction, but warned that citizens must work extra hard on personal hygiene and strict adherence to laid down guidelines.

“Governor Fintiri said the easing of the lockdown comes as the state discharge five (5) from its isolation centre after testing negative of the virus. However, the 8pm to 6am curfew will remain in place until further notice.”

On his part, Inuwa Yahaya, governor of Gombe who also lifted the lockdown on Thursday, said the decision followed assurances from the religious leaders to comply with all health directives on the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the restriction imposed by the state government to contain community spread of the disease had yielded results.

Gombe and Adamawa have recorded 119 and 21 cases of COVID-19 respectively.

On Wednesday, Borno government had also suspended lockdown in the state, asking churches and mosques to reopen.