As Anambra State on Wednesday recorded its second case of COVID-19, the State Governor Willie Obiano has directed security agencies enforcing the closure of the state borders, to ensure no movement into the state.
The new case was said to have returned from Kano on the 6th of May after a short business trip.
In a special broadcast on Covid-19 Thursday, Obiano said it is saddening that despite his government’s efforts to tighten security at the boundaries, the new case was able to sneak back into Anambra State after a trip to Kano.
“We have been monitoring developments across the country. In particular, we are aware of the mass movement of young people in groups from most of the epicentres of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. As the Chief Security Officer of Anambra State, I have a responsibility to protect my people from avoidable threats to public health. Consequently, we have directed the security agencies to ensure that movement into Anambra State by individuals and groups shall no longer be allowed. We are determined to enforce the federal order restricting movement between states across the country,” the governor said.
Obiano maintained that the nationwide curfew must be strictly observed in the State.
According to him, “From now on, there will be no vehicular and human traffic into Anambra State from 8pm to 6am. This includes essential goods and services. Every movement into Anambra State must wait until the next morning.”
On the case, Obiano revealed that he has been isolated in one of the State’s Protective Care Unit.
In his words, “He is currently receiving attention in one of our Protective Care Centers. His residence has been sealed off and we have commenced aggressive contact tracing to minimize the wave of community spread that might arise from this case. Our Covid-19 Task Force is on top of the situation to ensure that this threat is quickly contained.”
He assured citizens of the state not to panic as enough arrangements are being made by his government for the containment of the virus in the state.
The governor further urged them to go about their business lawfully and in strict compliance to the protocols of Covid-19, which include regular washing of hands, wearing of face-masks when stepping out, regular use of hand sanitizers and adherence to the principles of social distancing.
The governor revealed that the state is making gradual progress in its efforts to bring Covid-19 testing closer to our people.
“We have received assurances that the two laboratories that had been earmarked for approval, shall be approved to operate fully as Covid-19 Testing Centers from next week. Special training for professionals who will work in the laboratories is currently going on in readiness for the inauguration of the laboratories.
“We have commenced an aggressive case search in the 179 communities of Anambra State. This will help us ramp up the numbers in terms of testing and ensure immediate containment of any possible outbreak.
“We are also hopeful that when our laboratories become fully operational, we shall be able to conduct more tests,” Obiano enthused.
