The Nigerian Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state immediately ordered the shut down of all courts in the state just as Ebonyi state records its first death from COVID-19.
Governor Dave broadcast on Friday, June 19, that courts are to remain closed for the next 10 days to enable health workers to fumigate the buildings and premises.The governor also directed all judicial staff in the state and their families to immediately proceed for COVID-19 testing.
He said: ”It is unfortunate that we have recorded one death due to this Covid-19 and it makes me so sad. I am directing that in line with the Covid-19 law all the courts in Ebonyi state be shutdown for the next 10 days. The Judiciary, State High Court, Industrial Court, Federal High Court, Magistrate court should all be shutdown.
Also, I advise all the Judiciary officcers and their families to undergo Covid-19 tests. I have ordered that all the Judiciary buildings and premises should be immediately fumigated within the 10 days”.
The Governor advised residents of the state to take serious COVID-19 precautionary guidelines as the state witnessed a spike in the number of confirmed cases in recent times.
He says: We are not contemplating closing markets and churches but we advise them to please take this matter serious. If you are working ensure that you sanitise yourself every 10 minutes. This is very serious. We have a spike because we have a high testing. People may have the Covid-19 but won’t show any symptoms but will go about spreading it.
Some people with the virus will argue that they are not showing any symptoms. Yes, your immune system is fighting it but the next person that may be weaker than you is at danger and our job is to protect everybody in Ebonyi” he said
The Ebonyi courts are in full lockdown.
