Tobias Sylvester
Barely 24 hours after Anambra State recorded its first case of coronavirus, Governor Willie Obiano has extended the ongoing lockdown in the state by another 14 days.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had on Friday night announced that an index case had been registered in Anambra State, and that the carrier returned from Lagos State, before symptoms of the disease manifested on him.
During a state-wide broadcast on Saturday, Governor Obiano announced that the ongoing lockdown will continue for another 14 days, and that security operatives will tighten security on the borders.
He said residents of the state who have any reason to move about must stay at home or risk arrest, adding that there will be no vehicular or human traffic across all the boundaries of the state. He said:
“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.
“It has become extremely necessary to tighten the measures we had taken earlier on the pandemic. The restriction on movement is hereby extended by two weeks. This time, we are placing a comprehensive Lock down on Anambra State.
“We shall 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.
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
He urged Anambra citizens not to panic over the virus, saying that, it did not take the state 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,” the Governor assured.
Meanwhile, Nigeria currently have 305 cases of coronavirus. While 58 patients have recovered, seven persons have died from the disease.
