Covid-19: Governor Obiano lifts ban on schools, burials, markets, others

The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has lifted ban on burial ceremonies, markets, civil service, schools and some other social activities in the state amidst the fight against Coronavirus (Covid-19) in the State.

Governor Obiano also informed that two the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Certified Testing Centres will be commissioned soon in Anambra.

He, however, stated emphatically that the state’s boundaries will remain closed.

Read the Special Broadcast on Covid-19 by Governor Willie Obiano on May 1, 2020 to update Anambra residents on the latest development:

I am here to address you on our fight against Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Anambra State.

As you are aware, our beloved state has been on lockdown in the past five weeks. Ndi Anambra, we have fought the good fight, we have subjected ourselves to extreme inconveniences and now, we must begin the return journey to normal life again.

Community Active Search:

Ndi Anambra the question at the moment is where do we go from here? Well, I am delighted to announce that so far, we have conducted 72 tests on samples out of which one only returned positive. And that one was the Index Case who has been treated and discharged. So, at this moment, there is no active Covid-19 case in Anambra State. As a result of this, our next battle front with Covid-19 is to mount an active search for people with Covid-19 symptoms in all communities in Anambra State.

The NCDC, WHO and UNICEF have assured us of their support to ensure the success of this effort. So, I implore you to cooperate with our specially trained Covid-19 team when they visit your community by giving useful information that will help them to get the necessary samples for testing. Ndi Anambra, it has been repeatedly proven that Covid-19 is not a death sentence. And we have a team of competent medical professionals who can manage the case to success. We also have the necessary equipment and medication that will enhance chances of success.

Removing the Lockdown:

Ndi Anambra, encouraged by the absence of any active Covid-19 case in our dear state, we are emboldened to take a few careful steps to return Anambra to normalcy. Here are the immediate steps we shall take to achieve that –

Burials and Funerals:

Ndi Anambra, the recent lockdown had halted burials in Anambra State and has therefore put some pressure on our facilities in the state. I therefore urge you to bury your loved ones but with strict compliance to the Covid-19 protocols. There should be no fanfare and attendance should not be more than 30 family members.

Similarly, people bringing the remains of their loved ones for burial in Anambra State must ensure that the corpses are buried on the same day of arrival into the state. As a matter of fact, the grave must be ready before the corpse arrives at the boundary of Anambra State. Let me quickly add that the relatives of the deceased who accompanied the corpse home must also proceed on 14 days of self-isolation.

The Civil Service and Schools:

All civil servants including teachers of primary, secondary and tertiary schools in Anambra State shall resume work on Monday, May 4, 2020. Arrangements are on-going to ensure that the teachers undergo a comprehensive Covid-19 training in readiness for the eventual opening of schools at the right time.

Re-opening of Markets:

Following the successful completion of Covid-19 Training for all the market leaders in Anambra State, all markets in Anambra State shall re-open on Monday May 4, 2020. The market leaders must ensure that their friends and colleagues as well as customers comply with the standard protocols of Covid-19 once the markets re-open.

Our Boundaries Remain Closed:

All our boundaries with neighbouring states remain completely closed. Only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities are allowed passage after a thorough check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries. We are working very hard to seal off all bush paths that are being exploited by unscrupulous transporters to the detriment of our beloved state.

Testing Centers:

Ndi Anambra I am delighted to inform you that we have set up two potential Covid-19 Testing Centers in our dear state. We urge the management of NCDC to expedite action on the accreditation and approval process to ensure the immediate use of the facilities for the benefit of our people.

Conclusion:

Umu nnem, in easing our dear state back to normal life, we are hopeful that we have adequately been sensitized on what we must do to protect our lives, the lives of our dear ones and neighbours as well as our communities. We are also optimistic that we shall demonstrate as much commitment in fighting together to protect our state from the corrosive impact of Covid-19 as we did all through the lockdown period. I also wish to inform you that the federal government shall announce a nationwide curfew from Monday, May 4, 2020 to halt the community spread of Covid-19 across Nigeria. The curfew is expected to start at 8pm and end at 6am. I urge you to comply with this directive as enforcement shall be conducted to the letter. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.

Thank you!

God bless Anambra State

God bless Nigeria

Dalunu

Chief Sir. Willie Obiano

Governor