The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has said fresh lockdown will be inevitable if the residents of the state continue to violate the COVID-19 protocols.   

The Governor said this on a broadcast in Owerri on Friday night.

He lamented on the carefree attitude displayed by the residents of the state towards COVID-19 guidelines. He said four mobile courts have been put in place in different parts of the state to prosecute violators of COVID-19 safety protocols.

“However, I must make it absolutely clear that if our people choose instead to continue to deceive themselves that Coronavirus does not exist and continue to go about without face masks and without observing other safety protocols, I will be forced to review the situation in the coming weeks.

“If it is clear from the realities on the ground that extra, more stringent measures must be taken to keep our people safe.

“I will have no choice but to authorise a second lockdown of the state. The choice is entirely ours to make: To strictly adhere to the simple safety protocols now or to face a complete lockdown in a few weeks.

“Let us all resolve today to do the right thing for our state, for our safety and for the safety of our loved ones,” he said.

 The Governor advised the use of face masks, hand sanitisers, and hand washstands in all malls, markets, hotels, eateries, nightclubs, supermarkets, and public offices as well as for all religious gatherings, marriage, and burial ceremonies.

He also ordered that the maximum number of persons for public gatherings is 50 and warned that offenders would have to endure six months in jail or pay N20,000.