IMO GOV GRANTS TWO WEEKS WINDOW FOR BURIAL

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has lifted the ban on funerals for two weeks starting from Saturday April 16, 2020 to enable citizens to bury their loved ones.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, the Governor Uzodinma said the relaxation of the order followed appeals by mortuary operators that their facilities had been overstretched, hence the need to decongest the morgues.

Chief Uzodimma however stated that such burials, which must take place after approval from local government area chairman of the affected community, would last more than one hour and not have more than twenty persons in attendance.

He explained that no ceremony would be entertained during the burial and facilities for hand washing must be made available to enable the participants maintain hygiene.

Governor Uzodimma noted that the four new COVID-19 cases recorded from a family on thursday this week in Orlu Local Government Area of the state was from some returnee from Lagos.

He expressed worry over the non adherence to the terms of partial relaxation of lockdown, especially within the state borders but warned that government may be forced to revert to total lockdown if the situation persisted.

Meanwhile, Imo has so far recorded seven cases of Coronavirus disease since the outbreak of the infection.

CHINAZO ILECHUKWU