By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has ordered a total lockdown of the state borders from 8pm to 6am with no human or vehicular movement.

He made the declaration during a special COVID-19 broadcast on Friday, saying that those on essential duties or services are not exempted from the lockdown.

The Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) had on Wednesday confirmed a new case of COVID-19 in the state, despite measures put in place by the state Governor to prevent record of another case following the index case.

Obiano in his broadcast said: “I am here once again to address you on our efforts to protect Anambra State from the raging Covid-19 pandemic.

“As you would have heard from the media, our beloved state recorded a new case of COVID-19 yesterday. The new case 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. Ndi Anambra, I urge you to be calm as Covid-19 Task Force is on top of the situation to ensure that this threat is quickly contained.

“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

“Ndi Anambra we have been monitoring developments across the country. In particular, we are aware of the 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.”

The governor insisted that the nationwide curfew put in place by President Muhammadu Buhari must be strictly observed in Anambra State.

He explained that progress is being made to bring COVID-19 testing closer to the people saying that the state has received assurances that the two laboratories earmarked for approval shall be approved to operate fully as COVID-19 Testing Centers from next week.

According to him, a special training for professionals who will work in the laboratories is currently ongoing in readiness for the inauguration of the laboratories.

The governor added: “We have commenced aggressive case search in the 179 communities of Anambra State. This will help us ramp up the numbers in terms of testing and ensure immediate containment of any possible outbreak.

“We are also hopeful that when our laboratories become fully operational, we shall be able to conduct more tests.

“Ndi Anambra, God has been on our side. Since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, we have had only two positive cases in Anambra State. We have made adequate arrangements for the containment of the pandemic.”

While urging people to go about their business lawfully in strict compliance to the protocols of COVID-19, which include, regular washing of hands, wearing of face-masks when stepping out, regular use of hand sanitizers and adherence to the principles of social distancing, Obiano stressed that there was no need for panic.

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