The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has announced measures to relax the lockdown imposed on the state over three weeks ago to contain the spread of the Coronavirus also known as Covid-19 following the outcome of all the tests conducted so far in the state and the impressive cooperation received from the people in these past few weeks.
Obiano who made the announced the measures in broadcast to the people of the state on Saturday stated that all food markets including restaurants and bars in Anambra State were to reopen for normal business with immediate effect while insisting that they must comply with the principles of social distancing as well as provide hand-washing points with soap and hand sanitizers at the entry points into the markets.
He recalled that it had been 28 days since all markets in the state were locked adding that he had scheduled a meeting with the leaders of all the markets in the State for Monday, April 27, 2020 to review their position and agree on when to reopen the markets.
He however maintained that all the state’s boundaries with neighbouring states remained completely closed insisting that only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities were allowed passage after a thorough check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries.
He also directed that the illegal motor parks operating at the boundaries be quickly dismantled with immediate effect saying that crossing the boundaries on foot was not allowed as the law enforcement agents had been directed to see to that.
“With regards to religious groups, leaders of the church should ensure that worshippers comply with the standards protocols of Covid-19 which includes wearing of face masks to church, use of hand sanitizers, social distancing and regular washing of hands. Church leaders should decide how best to conduct mass and service in strict adherence to the principles of social distancing to ensure that worshippers are not endangered. Please note that there should be no crusades and vigils for the time being.
“Movement within Anambra State has now been reopened. The directive on the wearing of face masks remains fully in force. Nobody should step out of their homes without wearing a face mask. We shall continue to emphasize strict compliance with the globally accepted Covid-19 protocol of regular hand-washing, regular use of hand-sanitizers and other social-distancing rules.
“Ndi Anambra are advised to contact the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC) once they feel unwell. The PHEOC numbers are 09034728047. 08117567363, 09034668319, 08163594310, 08145434416. WhatsApp: 09033605959. SMS: 09074285546.”
On the Covid-19 index case in the state, the Governor said, “When I addressed you on Wednesday this week, I informed you that a second post-treatment test on our Index Case had returned negative and that I had directed the Commissioner of Health to ensure his immediate discharge from our Protective Care Center. Well, I am delighted to inform you that our Index Case has been discharged and has re-united with his family.
“Ndi Anambra, his speedy recovery further confirms my earlier assurances that we have made the necessary preparation required to fight Covid-19. So, I urge you not to fear but rather exercise your faith in God. Covid-19 is not a death sentence. And if we fight together and do what is expected of us, we shall win!
“Ndi Anambra in my last broadcast to you, I informed you that we had submitted the samples of the 36 people that had direct contact with the Index Case for testing. I am happy to announce here today, that the results have all returned negative. All in all, we have sent 68 tests out of which only one returned positive (and that was our Index Case). However, we are awaiting the result of just one sample at the moment. With these results, we are encouraged to do more together to ensure that our beloved state is safe for all of us. We are encouraged to work harder, to fight harder and to sacrifice even more to keep Anambra State free from Coronavirus.”
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