Anambra state Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, Saturday, announced a total lockdown of the state following the NCDC confirmation of a corona virus index case in the state.
NCDC had Friday night listed Anambra and Niger as two states with a record of COVID-19 out of 17 newly discovered cases totalling 305 of the pandemic in the country.
Obiano, who disclosed that the patient came in from Lagos and had been placed “in one of our Protective Care Centers,” said the state has commenced what he termed aggressive contact `tracing to ensure that those he came in contact with were “brought into the net for a professional handling that will save lives.”
According to the governor, the state has enough manpower to handle COVID-19 cases, even as he announced extention of lockdown which was previously billed to end on April 12 to two more weeks.
He urged law enforcement agents to enforce full compliance even as he reiterated ban on social gathering and social distancing.
“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.
“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 authorisation by security operatives at the boundaries. 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 added.
