Ondo state on Wednesday shut land and sea routes with its neighbouring states of Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Edo and Ogun states to shield the state away from the rampaging coronavirus.
Also, the state government declared a three-day period of fasting and prayers commencing from Thursday, 2nd to Saturday, 4th to seek the face of God over the pandemic.
These were contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Donald Ojogo, which said the measures were necessary because of the recent disturbing developments.
Ondo has remained one of the states in the country without a single record of COVID-19 and the steps were taken to prevent the spread from other neighbouring states, it said.
According to it: “Having observed the trend in respect of COVID-19 and the possibility of its ondeterminable spread, the government of Ondo State has ordered the closure of its borders with the neighbouring states of Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Edo and Elefon, our coastal border with Ogun which in the recent past, has witnessed heavy human traffic from Lagos and Ogun.
“This order prohibits inter-state travels into the state and takes effect from 6.00 pm on Thursday, 2nd April, 2020.
“Security operatives, as well as monitoring teams, have been put on the alert to enforce this order as part of measures already taken to stem COVID-19 incursion into Ondo State.”
It noted that “to His Glory, Ondo State has remained one of the states in the country without a single confirmed case of COVID-19. This is an uncommon grace government and indeed, the people must not take for granted.
“As a way of thanking God and seeking His face for this immeasurable grace and continuous favour, government hereby declares a 3-day period of fasting and prayers commencing from Thursday, 2nd to Saturday, 4th April for Ondo State and the country at large.
“Government, therefore, urges the good people of Ondo State to use this period to stand firm in prayers and remain inexorable in His praise as mankind faces this pandemic”
