By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Government has decried the recent non-compliance of the coronavirus protocols place by the government to help control spread of the deadly virus.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C Don Adinuba, said that the government views the development with the seriousness it deserves because of the enormous implications for the health of our people.

He said that in view of the consequences, the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has issued a proclamation on the mandatory observance of COVID-19 protocols in the state warning that anyone who fails to comply with the protocols will be prosecuted at any of the mobile courts set up to try offenders.

The statement partly reads: “It has come to the knowledge of the State Government that certain individuals and groups in Anambra State have been going about their business in defiance of the directives, guidelines and the relevant law on the prevention of the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.

“They neither wash their hands regularly for up to 20 seconds with water and soap nor observe social distancing of two metres. They do not apply sanitisers. They do not wear face coverings; when they do, the face masks cover only their jaws or their chins whereas face masks are meant to cover the mouth and nostrils because these are critical orifices through which the virus enters the human body. Worse, some of our people have begun to conduct burials and funerals as well as title taking ceremonies with pomp and pageantry, and in the process attract huge crowds.

“Presidents General of Town Unions, Traditional Rulers, Chairmen and Members of Local Government Transition Committees, Market Leaders, Officers of various Unions and Associations as well as Religious Leaders are enjoined to ensure that their followers comply strictly with the directives, guidelines and law on fight against the coronavirus pandemic.”

The State Government warned that any Town Union President General or Igwe or Local Government Transition Committee Chairman who allows a ceremony that attracts a crowd of more than 30 persons will be charged with dereliction of duty and sanctioned appropriately.

It thanked all individuals, groups, organisations and communities that have gone beyond the call of duty to mobilise their people in the fight against coronavirus.

Adinuba added: “We thank in particular the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, His Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, who is also Obi of Onitsha, for his extraordinary commitment and devotion.”

While describing the Onitsha Monarch as an inspiring leader in the battle against Coronavirus, he maintained that together the people of Anambra State will win the war against COVID-19.