By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State government has identified five local government areas in the state with high prevalence rate in Coronavirus pandemic.

The areas include, the state capital, Awka South, Idemili North, Onitsha North, Onitsha South and Nnewi North Councils.

Speaking with journalists in Awka after a joint Emergency Preparedness, Rapid and Response Team meeting, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala, attributed the high prevalence rate in those areas to population density and non-compliance with the Coronavirus protocols.

According to him, the monthly routine meeting is staged to appraise situation report on COVID-19 in the state, set new targets, discuss related issues and challenges.

Okpala warned that government will not tolerate the stigmatisation of persons that test positive for the deadly virus, adding that testing positive must not be seen as a death sentence.

He said: “It is unacceptable by the government for people to resort to stigmatisation of persons who tested positive for the virus.

“Government position is that there shall not be any stigma attached to it because it is not a death sentence. We must have to destigmatise the disease.

“It is in line with this that Governor Willie Obiano labelled treatment centers, ‘Protective Care Centers’ rather than Isolation Centers. The message is that we should not stigmatise anybody with COVID-19.

“Our focus is on testing of more people in the state. You don't need to show symptoms before coming for test. We want to scale up sample collection across the state.”

The Commissioner, then, enjoined the populace to present themselves for COVID-19 test as early detection of the virus and treatment would enhance quick recovery.

In his speech, an official of National Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Mr Akpa Igwe hailed the state government for its intervention measures, funding and support services provided in the fight against the ravaging pandemic.

While analysing the Covid-19 update, the State Coordinator, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, said the state has continued to record more cases, especially in the five identified red zones.

He said there was no cause for alarm provided patients availed themselves of the treatment offered by the state government.

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