COVID-19: Anambra locks down after recording first index case - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

Anambra State has registered its first index case of Coronavirus or COVID-19, just as contact tracing has commenced, according to the state governor, Chief Willie Obiano, reports ITREALMS.

Obiano in a state broadcast on Saturday declared that the state is going on total lockdown, noting that the index case was recorded on Friday with a traveler from Lagos, who has since been placed in one of the 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," he said.

Gov. Obiano also urged Ndi Anambra not to panic over this, noting that the index case "did not take us by surprise" and the state is 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," he said.

On the strength of this, he equally urged Ndi Anambra to stand strong in prayer and faith, assuring that with determination the state flatten the curve on this case to prevent further spread of the virus. 

In order to prevent further spread, Gov. Obiano said it has become extremely necessary to tighten the measures Anambra has taken earlier on the pandemic, stressing that to achieve that, the restriction on movement has been extended by two weeks. 

"This time, we are placing a comprehensive Lock down on Anambra State," he asserted, warning that Anambra State would not tolerate any movement across the state by individuals and groups. 

"Only people on essential services are permitted to move around in the delivery of those services to the people," Gov. Obiano said.

Ndi Anambra were advised to stay indoors to avoid getting contaminated by this virus, just as the security agencies, he said, would enforce the restriction on movement this time and they have my authorization to make arrests where necessary to keep the state safe.

"All boundaries with neighbouring states remain closed. There will 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," he said.

Obiano further advised for frequent washing of hands with soap for at least 20 seconds as well as the regular use of hand sanitizers are strongly recommended.

"In fact, everyone is expected to carry a hand sanitizer with him or her at any given time," he said, stressing that 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," he said.

In addition, Ndi Anambra were 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," he said.

Ozo Nweke Ozo/Editor

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