Rivers issues 7 new codes to transporters to curtail COVID-19 spread

admit or take a total of three passengers (one person in the front seat and two persons at the passenger sides); It is now an offence to condone, connive or be an overloaded passenger.

Henceforth, all buses shall admit or convey a total of five passengers for Suzuki buses and 10 passengers for 14/18 seater-buses; one passenger in the front seat and three passengers per seat row subsequently. “At all bus stops and stations, all commuters and passengers shall maintain regular queues and orderly lines to avoid needless rough contacts and struggles leading to altercations and spitting or droplets.

“All taxis and buses shall keep and restock their vehicles with wipes, tissues and other disposal items for use by passengers to wipe down the car doors and other handles. These directives shall be supervised, coordinated and enforced by the Road Marshalls of the Ministry of Transport, Rivers State and NURTW officials. Members of the public and the Transport operators are enjoined to give the State Government their fullest support at this challenging moment of our collective existence. To ensure compliance, members of the public are enjoined to call these numbers in case of noncompliance by drivers, conductors and passengers:”

Meanwhile, some schools opened their doors to pupils and students on Monday, March 23, 2020, despite government order which ought to take effect on Monday. By 1pm, some students were seen returning from school.