Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi state Friday said the state has recorded its first Covid-19 death.
He also ordered the immediate shut down of all Courts in the state.
Though the governor did not disclose the identity of the deceased, sources said he is a judicial officer.
Umahi however, said the judiciary premises would remain closed for the next 10 days to enable health workers fumigate the buildings and premises.
He gave the directive in a state broadcast.
He also ordered all judicial staff in the state and their families to immediately proceed for COVID-19 testing.
“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 shut down 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”.
Umahi advised markets and churches to take the Covid-19 safety protocols seriously for their own good.
He said residents were not taking the pandemic serious and warned that any church or market found flouting the COVID-19 law will be shutdown.
“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,” said.
