Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has announced the re-opening of all markets in the State with effect from today, from 7a.m and close at 6p.m daily.
Governor Wike announced this yesterday, in a state-wide broadcast, saying that Rumukwurushe (Oil Mill) and Oginiba Slaughter Markets still remain closed.
He stated that as the markets resume business, they must operate in strict compliance with the established protocols on wearing of face masks, washing of hands and maintaining social distancing.
The governor said government lifted the ban placed on markets to increase the tempo of economic activities in the State.
He said:
"Market managers must provide for hand washing and use of sanitizers for everyone at the entrance of every market, ensure wearing of face mask and maintaining social distancing.
"Any market that opens to the public and fails to comply strictly with these protocols shall be closed down. The market managers shall be prosecuted while the contravening shops shall be forfeited to the State Government without notice.
"Similarly, churches can now hold services with 50 percent of their hall capacity provided the leadership can enforce wearing of face masks and washing of hands at the entrance by worshippers.
"The ban on outdoor sports activities at the Port Harcourt Club, Golf Club and the Port Harcourt Polo Club is also lifted.
"Members of these clubs must also comply with the established COVID-19 protocols or risk another closure.
"In addition, all night clubs, cinemas, bars and in-service restaurants remain banned until further notice. The established restrictions on public burials and weddings are also still in force.
"All local government chairmen are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with the protocols in their respective Local Government Areas", he announced.
Governor Wike also called on security agencies to support the State Government to fight against the spread of COVID-19 by enforcing the wearing of face mask in public places and maintenance of physical distancing throughout the state.
He disclosed: "Government has increased the State's capacity for surveillance, contact tracing, testing and treatment of positive cases in line with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), oil and gas companies that provided PCR laboratories.
"We are also considering the request for approval and certification by some private laboratories to provide sample collection and testing services," he said.
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