Following the discovery of an index case of Coronavirus otherwise known as Covid-19 in the state yesterday, the Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has announced the extension of the movement restriction placed on the entire state by two weeks.
Governor Obiano who announced this in a statewide broadcast on Saturday stated that government was placing a comprehensive lock down on the state adding that “we shall not tolerate any movement across the state by individuals and groups.”
He also said that only people on essential services were permitted to move around in the delivery of those services to the people.
He further said that “Ndi Anambra are advised to stay indoors to avoid getting contaminated by this virus. The security agencies will enforce the restriction on movement this time and they have my authorization to make arrests where necessary to keep our dear state safe.”
The governor added that all boundaries with neighbouring states remain closed noting that there would be no vehicular or human traffic across all the boundaries of Anambra State.
“Only vehicles delivering essential services are permitted after a comprehensive check and authorization by security operatives at the boundaries”, the governor said.
Obiano observed that frequent washing of hands with soap for at least 20 seconds as well as the regular use of hand sanitizers were strongly recommended even as he said that everyone was expected to carry a hand sanitizer with him or her at any given time.
He continued, “Everyone is expected to stay indoors with their families and loved ones. However, anyone who wishes to step outdoors for any reason at all must wear a face mask. Anyone who violates this directive stands a chance of arrest and prosecution. Handshaking, hugging and all other forms of physical contact are strongly discouraged. Ndi Anambra are also advised to minimize contact with door handles and hand rails and commonly used surfaces in different locations.
“A distance of 6-feet must be maintained during interaction with people. Everyone is advised to keep a reasonable social distance when holding a conversation with someone else. Ndi Anambra are advised to contact the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC) once they feel unwell. The PHEOC numbers are 08030953771, 08145434416, 08117567363, 08058967320.”
Speaking on the index case, he stated, “Ndi Anambra, I regret to announce that despite our proactive measures to insulate our dear state from this pandemic, we recorded the first case of Coronavirus in the state yesterday. The index case came in from Lagos. He has been placed in one of our Protective Care Centers. At the same time, we have commenced aggressive contact tracing to ensure that everyone he came in contact with is brought into the net for a professional handling that will save lives.”
While urging them not to panic over this development, the governor insisted that it did not take them by surprise.
“We are adequately prepared to handle the situation. We have trained enough manpower on how to handle Covid-19 cases and our Protective Care Centers are among the best in the country at the moment. On the strength of this, I urge you to stand strong in prayer and faith. We shall flatten the curve on this case to prevent further spread of the virus”, he declared.
Governor Obiano maintained that the 250-bed Preventive Care Center at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Mbaukwu/Umuawulu and the 16-bed Preventive Care Centre at the General Hospital Onitsha were all up and running at the moment informing that the two Surge Centers at Ekwulobia General Hospital and Umueri General Hospital that Fidelity Bank and Access Bank offered to equip were almost ready too.
“So, we are prepared to give ourselves a fighting chance against this pandemic”, he added.
Even as he thanked all Anambra residents for complying with the directive on the Covid-19 pandemic in Anambra State, the governor equally thanked the traders in all the 63 major markets in Anambra State for heeding the directive on the closure of the markets while also thanking the traditional rulers, leaders of the church, the PGs and other community leaders who had assisted the government in ensuring that people comply with the directives from the state.
While also appreciating the donors to the State Covid-19 fund, Governor Obiano stated, “Ndi Anambra, it gives me great joy to see that this pandemic has brought out our well known communal spirit. I am impressed with the way our socially responsible brothers and sisters have responded to the economic hardship imposed by Coronavirus on us all by handing out relief materials and money to their neighbours. That is one of the ways we can ensure strict compliance with the principles of social distancing and overcome this plague. I must thank everyone who has shown compassion to his/her neighbour during this period. That is the spirit of the season. It is also the spirit of Easter!
“Similarly, I must express our profound gratitude to those who have donated money and other material support to boost our efforts at the state level. So far, we have received the following donations in cash and equipment.”
While still appealing for donations to boost the state’s capacity to overcome Coronavirus, governor Obiano disclosed that the state especially needed ventilators and Personal Protection Equipment like gloves, goggles for the eyes, apparels and masks saying, “Whatever support we get in this area shall be highly appreciated.”
“Umu nnem, now that we have the first recorded incident in Anambra State, our fight against Coronavirus has just started. All hands must be on deck to stamp the pandemic out of our beloved state. Ndi Anambra, I have no doubt that if we work together, we shall win this race”, he concluded.
Photo: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State.
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