Ekiti State Government has extended the COVID-19 lockdown and placed a curfew on movement in the state by two weeks.
Governor Kayode Fayemi gave the order in a statement issued on Monday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Biodun Oyebanji.
Fayemi had earlier ordered a total shutdown of the state for two weeks which elapsed on Monday, April 13, 2020.
The SSG said the extension which will end on April 27 became necessary following the progress made and efforts of other neighbouring states in that regard.
Oyebanji explained that only people offering essential services and the market for food items are exempted from the restriction, adding that all borders would remain closed for the two weeks.
While acknowledging similar efforts by the Federal government and neighbouring states in curbing the spread of COVID 19, Governor Fayemi said the extension is deliberately planned.
The SSG, however, revealed that the restriction would be suspended on Thursday, April 16 and April 21, 2020, between 6 am and 2 pm for residents to restock essential goods.
He declared that the government has made compulsory the use of face masks in public places across the 16 local government areas of the state while promising to improve on the current palliative efforts.
With the extension, existing restrictions remain in force alongside the dusk to dawn curfew till April 27 when the order will officially expire.
In the same vein, President Muhammadu Buhari in a broadcast on Monday night ordered for the extension of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by two weeks.
