In furtherance of the Detection, Prevention and Protection plan of the State Covid-19 Action Committee, the Anamba State Government yesterday commenced the fumigation of major markets in the state.
Recently in a broadcast to update Ndi Anambra on the Covid-19 pandemic, Gov. Willie Obiano mentioned that 63 markets will be fumigated as part of measures to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus in the state.
The fumigation exercise which started from the Onitsha Main Market, will continue until all the major markets are covered. This will not only aid the fight against Coronavirus but also eradicate disease spreading germs and rodents from the markets.
Flagging off the exercise on behalf of Gov. Obiano, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala confirmed that the exercise will prevent the spread of Coronavirus and tackle rodents and germs responsible for Lassa fever and other diseases as well.
He said that the fumigation will be done with diluted sodium hypochloride in line with the provisions of the World Health Organization and noted that the market is closed in accordance with government directives to prevent the spread of the virus and to accommodate the fumigation exercise.
Also speaking at the flag-off, Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Uchenna Okafor thanked Ndi Anambra, especially the market leaders and traders for cooperating with government. He said that the level of compliance to government directives is commendable.
Hon. Okafor lauded the State Government for leading the battle against Coronavirus from the front. He observed that the closure of markets, schools and other public places in the state were all aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.
The Commissioner also noted that the choice of main market, Onitsha is significant. He said that the market serves as a hub for west and central Africa being the largest market in the zone.
On his part, Chief Ik Ekwegbalu, President General of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) commended the state government for fumigating the markets.
Chief Ekwegbalu also thanked traders for heeding government’s instructions stating that Anambra will win the battle against Coronavirus.
There’s no confirmed case of Coronavirus in Anambra state yet the Government is doing everything possible to maintain the status. It has also continued to prepare to contain any eventuality.
The Government transformed the main hall of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) camp Umuawulu/Mbaukwu to a 250-bed protection centre. Another protection centre with a High Infectious Disease Unit (HIDU) was also set up at the General Hospital, Onitsha. Surge centres were also set up at Ekwulobia and Umueri.
The state government has also commenced the distribution of 200 bags of rice to each of the 181 communities in Anambra state as palliatives for the elderly and the vulnerable in the state.
Credit: Ikenna Aniagboso.
Photo: Governor Willie Obiano represented by the Commissioner for Health, Anambra State, Dr.Vincent Okpala flagging off fumigation of markets in Anambra State yesterday.
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