Anambra State Government says it may be compelled to close down Anambra markets indefinitely, if the traders fail to observe COVID-19 protocols.
Gov. Willie Obiano announced this in a latest broadcast to update Ndi Anambra on the COVID-19 pandemic at Governor’s Lodge, Onitsha.
Gov. Obiano expressed misgivings at the manner at which people hold extravagant funerals and weddings in the state. I have directed the arms bearing members of the Security Council to arrest defaulters’’.
“As expected, we have tested a total of 1092 samples so far out of which 922 returned negative while 160 tested positive.
“Out of this figure also, we have successfully treated and discharged 125 patients while 17 people are receiving treatment in their respective homes. So far, 18 people have died of Covid-19 in Anambra State.
“These 18 deaths were recorded in different parts of the state. Ndi Anambra, this calls for extreme caution as nowhere is absolutely safe. COVID-19 is everywhere now.’’
Gov. Obiano said that the government had since secured 250,000 units of Personal Protective Equipment, (PPE), for health workers.
He expressed joy as the Genexpert Labouratory at General Hospital, Onitsha had been activated for testing, stressing that it was the first General Hospital to be so activated.
He explained that COVID-19 response team had been trained to help to fight the pandemic.
While lamenting that the people had started lowering their guards on COVID-19 protocols, Gov. Obiano warned that anyone caught contravening laid down guidelines would be prosecuted.
He said that no fewer than 300 offenders of COVID-19 law had been arrested and prosecuted already.
