This may be the reason there is no Coronavirus case in Cross River State, The Governor of the state has revealed that he spends nights at the state’s borders to prevent an index case of COVID-19.
Speaking during a Channels TV programme on Thursday, Ayade said his government procured over 100 new vehicles which it deployed to the entry points to “lock our state out” against the disease.
Cross River is one of the two states yet to have any case of COVID-19.
Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), however, showed that the state has tested only seven persons.
Ayade said when the pandemic was at its early stage in Nigeria, the state quickly responded “by locking out our state against the virus” and has since then, maintained a firm structure in its response.
“So, we actually didn’t lock down, we locked out the state. We blocked our borders immediately and commenced no mask, no movement,” he said.
“By virtue of our location, we are just sharing boundary with Cameroon and it is such that it is almost impossible that we are still having COVID-19 negatives.
“What we did was we ordered over 100 branded new vehicles, policed all our borders between Nigeria and Cameroon, ensure that we block all access to other states, closed our airways,
“We have been very very deliberate. Our structure is so firm, I lead from the front. I spend the night myself personally at vigil in the various entry and exit points to demonstrate to my commissioners and special advisers; if the governor himself can stay nights at our border points, you should do so.”
He added that with him leading the state’s response, its borders are being manned by “only very senior government officials to ensure there is no compromise.”
Ayade lifts suspension on public worship in Cross River State
Cross River State governor Senator Ben Ayade has lifted ban on public worship in the state.
Ayade said the lifting of the about two months old public worship ban
Became necessary being conscious of the spiritual economy, and in response to appeals by religious leaders in the state.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Christian Ita yesterday said “the order suspending public worship in the state, is hereby lifted with effect from Sunday May 24th. 2020.
” consequently, starting from Sunday, May 24, 2020, church services are permitted but should be limited to the sitting capacity of the Church. Same applies to Mosques”.
However, the governor insisted that “the use of nose mask is compulsory for all worshipers and Churches and Mosques should provide buckets for hand washing, or sanitizers”.
He stated that “Churches and Mosques are advised to strictly keep to the above instructions. The enforcement team will still go around to check compliance” .
Ayade expressed gratitude to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Christians of various denominations, and the entire Muslim community for their support and cooperation during the period of suspension of public worship in the state in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak”.
He acknowledged that “the understanding and cooperation of religious leaders contributed immensely in keeping our State Coronavirus Free thus far”.
Leo Igwe: Apostle Suleman wants to die of Coronavirus
