Coronavirus: Willie Obiano lifts lockdown in Anambra

Maduako Igbokwe Onitsha

ONITSHA, Nigeria – Anambra state governor chief Willie Obiano has lifted restrictions of movement within the state. The governor in a special broadcast on Coronavirus, on Saturday evening to update Anambra people on the latest development on the pandemic, lifted internal restrictions on movement with immediate effect.

He also ordered that nobody shall step out of his house without wearing a face mask. He however said that the lockdown on boundary still remains in force and that the government would be serious on the border restrictions directive.

“Movement within Anambra State has now been reopened. The directive on the wearing of face masks remains fully in force. Nobody should step out of their homes without wearing a face mask’ he said.

Obiano also noted that food markets including restaurants and bars in Anambra State are to reopen for normal business with immediate effect. He, however urged the people running restaurants and others to comply with the principles of social distancing, provide hand-washing points with soap and hand sanitizers at the entry points into the markets.

He further stated that the state government shall continue to emphasize strict compliance with the globally accepted Covid-19 protocol of regular hand-washing, regular use of hand-sanitizers and other social-distancing rules.

“In my last broadcast to you, I informed you that we had submitted the samples of the 36 people that had direct contact with the Index Case for testing. I am happy to announce here today, that the results have all returned negative.

“All in all, we have sent 68 tests out of which only one returned positive (and that was our Index Case). However, we are awaiting the result of just one sample at the moment. With these results, we are encouraged to do more together to ensure that our beloved state is safe for all of us. We are encouraged to work harder, to fight harder and to sacrifice even more to keep Anambra State free from Coronavirus”

“When I addressed you on Wednesday this week, I informed you that a second post-treatment test on our Index Case had returned negative and that I had directed the Commissioner of Health to ensure his immediate discharge from our Protective Care Center.

“Well, I am delighted to inform you that our Index Case has been discharged and has re-united with his family.

“Ndi Anambra, his speedy recovery further confirms my earlier assurances that we have made the necessary preparation required to fight Covid-19. So, I urge you not to fear but rather exercise your faith in God. Covid-19 is not a death sentence. And if we fight together and do what is expected of us, we shall win” he said.