1.
My dear people of #EdoState, greetings to you at this critical time of our lives. These last three months have been difficult for us as a result of the disruptions to our lives caused by the #COVID19 pandemic.

2.
As you will recall, when I first addressed you on the 23rd of March 2020, I emphasized that our response to the #COVID19 pandemic will be largely determined by research data and information.

3.
The epidemiological model for Edo which was developed with the assistance of the @UBTH hinted that the pandemic will peak in Edo in the last week of June.

4.
As at today, we have screened over 404,500 and tested 4342 Edo residents for #COVID19. From this exercise, we have recorded 518 confirmed cases, 130 recoveries and sadly 27 deaths. We pray that God grants their soul repose and their families fortitude to bear the loss.

5.
The data clearly shows that there is now a large-scale community spread with the elderly persons being the most affected.

6.
Even though persons aged 60 years and above make up 5% of our population, over 50% of deaths recorded affects this category of people. This shows that #COVID19 disease has a more fatal impact on them resulting in death.

7.
As a government, we are very concerned about this exposure of our elderly population to this disease and so we have resolved that these vulnerable persons must be protected. Their lives matter.

8.
We must now intensify protective measures such as wearing of face masks, hand washing and practicing physical distancing. We cannot afford to act irresponsibly, so we must take this preventive action very seriously.

9.
Although we have comfortable facilities that can care for up to 500 people, some persons are refusing to isolate and receive treatment in these facilities. When you isolate at home, there is a higher likelihood that other people will be infected.

10.
In view of the up-coming elections and to reduce infection transmission rates during political gatherings, I have issued a gazette that provides guidance on how political parties can conduct their activities.

11.
There remains a restriction of gatherings for more than 20 persons. However, where higher numbers of persons are required to gather, permit with specified location, guidelines and supervision may be granted by the @EdoStateGovt.

12.
Even though we had only implemented a partial lockdown in #EdoState, however, in line with the Presidential Task Force recommendations for States, the curfew starting from 10pm to 4am subsists.

13.
Schools remain closed. However, guidelines for phased reopening are being developed together with the Federal Ministry of Education, especially for students in JSS 3 and SS 3 who are preparing for their exit examinations.

14.
I encourage all Edo parents and guardians of pupils in primary schools, to continue to utilize our e-learning platforms for their educational needs, while they are still at home.

15.
We will continue phased relocations and reopening of our markets. We strongly appeal to traders and market union leadership to strictly comply and enforce government directives on social distancing for their own health and wellbeing.

16.
Following consultations with CAN and religious bodies, we will commence a reopening of places of worship. We are expanding screening and testing to religious groups/organizations and business establishments.

17.
We call on all religious organisations, corporate bodies and health facilities to assist us drive modalities for our new norm and cooperate with the designated health and security agencies in this regard.

18.
We have swiftly initiated the Independent Farmers Initiative to engage farmers across the 18 Local Government and provide the necessary support to boost food production in the state. This is to ensure food security during and after the #COVID19 pandemic.

19.
Under these initiatives, we are supporting small and medium scale farmers by providing them with seeds, fertilizers and other farming inputs to produce foods which Government will purchase from them.

20.
Our distribution of palliatives will continue, as we are in the 3rd phase of the exercise, reaching over 200,000 households. We encourage the more fortunate ones among us to continue to share with your neighbours who may be less fortunate.

21.
We want to specially thank our security agencies; the @PoliceNG, PUWOV, Community Vigilantes and others who have kept our communities relatively safe.

22.
Crime rates have improved but we must focus our attention to the growing trend of sexual abuse especially against our girls and women. This is a threat that we must resist and work with the security agencies to report.

23.
We will ensure that all rape cases are thoroughly investigated, and the perpetrators of this hideous crimes are prosecuted.

24.
We are proud of our gallant health workers and appreciate their sacrifices and constant care for our people. We encourage you to keep up the good work as we continue to prioritise your safety and welfare.

25.
Our resilience as a people is being tested by this pandemic, we are hopeful that with your support and the continuous dedication of our health workers, we shall overcome.