In an announcement by the commissioner for Information and Orientation Barr. Uchenna Orji, he said that the cases rose to 75 after over 3, 000 samples were tested noting that 26 COVID-19 cases have been discharged and 49 cases still receiving treatment but in stable condition.

Orji said that Umahi was disturbed about the way and manner some State Executive Council members were infected with the disease adding that there was a need to take further steps to contain the spread

According to him, in order to ensure effective contact tracing, all Government offices will be shut down from today, Thursday,4th June 2020 and resume on Wednesday, 10th June 2020 and all civil servants shall work from their respective homes within the period but shall leave their phones open to respond to official imperatives.

He said the governor further directed all Government offices including the new and old Government House complex to be decontaminated while Exco members and Government officials, especially of the Ministries of Finance and Budget, are to undergo COVID-19 test within seven days period.

He added that during the period of the closedown of Government offices, all workers, especially from the two Ministries, should go into self-isolation adding that all site operations shall remain open, but must be in strict observance of COVID-19- protocols.

He passionately appealed to all sons and daughters of Ebonyi State who are living outside the shores of the state to avoid the risk of returning to the state saying that records have shown that the positive cases hitherto recorded in the state were those returning from the epicentre states.

“The Governor further pleaded with our people to take seriously the NCDC COVID-19 Protocols, especially all precautionary measures such as hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, use of face masks, social distancing and avoiding of crowded places”, he added.