Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, on Thursday said the government is making gradual progress in efforts to bring Covid-19 testing closer to the people and is therefore working on two laboratories to operate fully as Covid-19 Testing Centers from next week.
The governor also disclosed that a special training for professionals who will work in the laboratories is currently going on in readiness for the inauguration of the laboratories.
The government he said has commenced aggressive case search in the 179 communities of Anambra State which will help in efforts to ramp up the numbers in terms of testing and ensure immediate containment of any possible outbreak.
He expressed disappointment over a new case of Covid-19 recorded in the state.
The new case according to Obiano, returned from Kano on the 6th of May after a short business trip.
“It is saddening that despite our efforts to tighten security at the boundaries, this new case was able to sneak back into Anambra State after a trip to Kano.
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.” he said.
The governor noted that since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, Anambra has had only two positive cases and that government has made adequate arrangements for the containment of the pandemic.
“There is therefore no need for panic. I urge you to go about your business lawfully and in strict compliance to the protocols of Covid-19. These include regular washing of hands, the wearing of face-masks when stepping out, regular use of hand sanitizers and adherence to the principles of social distancing. I am sure that once we keep to these principles it shall be well with Anambra State.” he advised.
The governor said his administration is monitoring developments across the country because the state government has observed mass movement of young people in groups from most of the epicenters 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.” he said.
Obiano, said that the nationwide curfew must be strictly observed in Anambra State, adding that 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.” he directed.
He commended donations from Anambra illustrious brothers and sisters to the state and to individual members of the society.