Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has warned residents infected by the Coronavirus to stay away from the state.

Emmanuel issued the warning at the weekend on the state government’s official Facebook account monitored by our Correspondent in Uyo, the state capital.

According to the governor, the return of infected indigenes to the state was responsible for its current record of 35 COVID-19 positive cases.

“We are not discriminating but if you are in indigene of the state listening to me from outside the state,  you have testing centres and medical experts there.

“They can help you there in terms of contact tracing, testing and quarantining because that is your place of primary residence.

“Rather than give us stress, remain where you are. We are ready and willing to collaborate with your place of residence instead of coming into the state the cost for us”, he said.

The governor hinted at the possible reopening of churches, adding that he has asked the leadership of the State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to work out guidelines and modalities.

Emmanuel threatened to ‘punish’ any head of MDA found to be operating with more than 30 percent of his or her workforce.