Anambra State Government has directed that henceforth, residents must wear face mask once outside their homes.
Governor Willie Obiano gave the directive on Wednesday, in a special broadcast to update citizens of the state on the latest developments on the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Governor said anyone seen outside without a face mask shall be guilty of breaking the State Protocol on COVID-19.
“From today onwards, it has become compulsory to wear a face mask in Anambra State. Anyone who is seen outside his home without a face mask shall be guilty of breaking the Anambra State Protocol on COVID-19. This principle shall be enforced by all Traditional rulers, Religious Leaders, the Presidents General, Women Leaders, Market Association Leaders, Youth Association Leaders and every community leader that influences our people,” he said.
The governor encouraged the people to make their masks to ensure availability of masks but warned that polyester and polythene materials must not be used in making the masks.
He maintained that food and drug markets in the state are only allowed to open on Tuesdays and Fridays while traders and customers must always maintain the principles of Social Distancing during the transaction process.
“Please note that any stores/shops located in the markets not dealing with food items or medical drugs remain closed. The security agents have been directed to ensure rigorous enforcement.
“Transport operators, banks and other businesses are expected to assist in the enforcement of Mask Wearing by insisting that their customers wear a mask as a pre-condition for service.
“All intercity/intra-community transits remain closed. All motor parks in the State remain closed. We also encourage our people to maintain the globally accepted COVID-19 protocol of regular hand-washing, regular use of hand-sanitizers and other social-distancing rules,” the governor emphasized.
He also reiterated that all the state boundaries with neighbouring states remain completely closed, to allow only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities passage after a stringent check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries.
On the status of the state after the state’s index case tested negative for coronavirus, Obiano said the second post-treatment test for the case has also returned negative.
In his words, “In my last address on Saturday, April 18, 2020, I revealed that the first post-treatment test of the COVID-19 Index Case in Anambra State had returned negative. Today, I am delighted to tell you that the second test on our Index Case has also returned negative. Following the NCDC protocol on COVID-19, therefore, I have asked the Commissioner of Health to discharge him from our Protective Care Center. We have also made some arrangements to decontaminate his home to ensure that there is no further incident.”
Obiano said the state COVID-19 team has submitted the samples of the 36 remaining people that had direct contact with the index case for testing.
“This is to ensure that we do not leave any loopholes in our fight against this pandemic. I will keep you posted on the outcome of the tests once the results are out,” the governor concluded.
