In the wake of the announcement of the first Coronavirus cases in neighbouring Awka Ibom, the Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade has imposed new restrictions on the people of his State.

In a statement signed by Ayade’s media aide, Christian Ita, no resident of the state would be allowed to move around without a face mask starting Friday, April 3.

The statement read in part, “No citizen or resident of the state will not be allowed to leave home without a face mask from Friday 3rd, April 2020. Failure to adhere to this directive will lead to the arrest and quarantine of the offenders for 14 days.”

“The Cross River State garment factory has been mandated to produce face masks to be freely distributed to citizens and residents alike to meet with the demand.”

“Those who for one reason or the other are unable to get masks from government before the new restrictions kick in, are advised to purchase theirs from shops selling the item.”