Ortom ends lockdown in Benue, orders workers back to work

Following the review of COVID-19 measures, Benue State government has directed its workers from Grade 1 to 12 back to offices from 1st June, 2020.

In a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi after the State Executive Council and the State Action Committee on COVID-19 met at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, governor Samuel Ortom said, “the affected workers who have been staying away from offces should resume. ”

He however, made the wearing of face masks compulsory and social distancing as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19.

The review also includes: “Churches and Mosques with effect from today Thursday, May 21, 2020, are to hold staggered worship sessions. This implies that a Church or Mosque which before now held two worship sessions should henceforth conduct four sessions in a day.

“Street trading is encouraged but strictly obeying social distancing protocol on COVID-19. Markets will be partially opened to enable traders access their shops.

“Fumigation of markets will be carried out periodically.

“Inter-state movement remains prohibited, except those on essential services.

“The prevailing curfew in the State has been reviewed to now last between the hours of 8pm to 6am daily, until further notice.

“Benue people have been encouraged to intensify their farming activities.

“The issue of school resumption is to be reviewed in the next 14 days.