COVID-19: RESTRICTION ORDER RECORDS PARTIAL COMPLIANCE IN IMO

The lock down order issued by the Imo State Government has recorded partial compliance. For instance, while some worship centres adhered to the directive of total shut down on Sunday, a number of others observed their normal service, defying the social distancing advice as crowd was seen at a church in Ogbaku, a town near Owerri the state capital.

Some supermarkets, including a big shopping mall in Owerri had opened for business but were forced to close few hours later apparently to avert the wrath of law enforcement agents, who were monitoring compliance. The popular Ekeukwu Owerri Market, which is the biggest in the state capital, was seen scanty when Radio Nigeria visited the place Monday morning.

However, few traders, who deal in food items, were seen in clusters with very low patronage. Shops on the streets of Owerri are also closed but some others located outside the metropolis were seen opened.

Most major roads in the state appeared scanty as only few vehicles could be seen. Some residents of the state, who spoke with Radio Nigeria, commended the state government for measures taken so far to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic from entering the state but called on the authorities to facilitate test for the virus.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU