By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Government on Friday confirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has so far claimed nine lives in the state.

It expressed dismay at the level of non-compliance with COVID-19 protocols by people in the state.

A statement by the Commissioner of Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba, expressed regret that oftentimes face masks were not worn appropriately, adding that while some wear it on the chin, others simply wear it on their jaws or cover their mouths but not their nostrils. He described the practices as unacceptable.

The commissioner insisted that wearing of face coverings in public was made compulsory in Anambra State as part of the strategy to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

While regretting that the deadly virus has killed nine persons in the state, Adinuba said that a number of Anambra individuals outside the state have also died of the disease, noting that victims include old people and youths of both genders.

The commissioner said: “The Anambra State government does not want more of our people to get infected by this highly contagious disease, let alone die of it.

“A growing number of our people have been complying with the directive. This is a good development. The face mask must always cover the mouth and the nose. This is because coronavirus enters our system through such orifices as the eye, the nostril and the mouth. This is why some people wear not just face masks which cover their mouths and noses but also face shields which cover their eyes, in addition.

“The compulsory and proper adorning of face masks in public places in Anambra State is done in the interest of every individual in the state. COVID-19 is real.

“Consequently, the government is establishing mobile courts in different parts of the state to try those who contravene the new law on COVID-19 like individuals who do not wear face coverings or do not wear them properly. The punishments include payment of up to N10,000 fine andperformance of community service.

“To check the spread of coronavirus in our dear state and ensure that Anambra remains the safest state in Nigeria, including in health matters, ndi Anambra are reminded, once again, of the imperative to keep social distancing of six feet, wash our hands frequently with soap, water and sanitizer, avoid handshakes and embraces and, of course wear face masks in the right way anytime we are in public.”