By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Government has suspended the 9pm to 6am curfew put in place to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The curfew was declared on Monday following the spike in positive cases in the state.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said that the state COVID-19 Task Force had reported an increase in the observance of COVID-19 preventive guidelines in the state, hence the decision to suspend the curfew.

He said: “Governor Willie Obiano has directed the suspension of the curfew with effect from 6am, Saturday, 13th February, 2021. However, it is important that our people continue to adhere to the guidelines earlier issued; (1) wearing a protective facemask when in public places and outdoors.

“It has been observed that Ndi Anambra and residents have become conscious of the threat to life that COVID-19 poses.

“There is appreciable compliance to the Covid-19 preventive guidelines issued by the government. We are not relenting, as we shall continue with our various interventions, including public enlightenment, engagement with market leaders, churches, hospitals and caregivers, and other stakeholders with the aim of stopping the spread of the virus in our state.

“Maintaining social distancing at public gatherings, washing hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds each time using hand sanitizers regularly.”

Chukwulobelu called on Anambra people to go to the nearest hospital immediately they start showing symptom of COVID-19 or feel unwell, saying: “Do not self-medicate”.

He said that mobile courts have already been set up to try those who violate these guidelines.

In a related development, the State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, on Wednesday ordered the re-opening of Agbero New Spare Parts Market, Nnewi, which was closed over constant and flagrant violations of COVID-19 protocols.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, said that neither the traders nor customers wore face masks adding that they also did not observe social or physical distancing.

He also said the traders failed to provide buckets of water, soaps or sanitizer in the market to enable people wash their hands frequently for at least 20 seconds on each occasion.

Adinuba observed that as a result of the nonchalant attitude of the officials of the officials of the market, there has been huge spike in the number of COVID-19 infections in the commercial city of Nnewi since the year 2021.

The statement read in part: “Of course, the state government foresaw since late last year a considerable increase in the number of infections in the state, because millions if our people were coming from different parts of the country and beyond, including places with high incidences of infections and fatalities to celebrate the Christmas and New year with their families and friends.

“Consequently, the government took several proactive measures to shield Anambra people as much as possible from the ravages of the virus, especially the new variants from South Africa, Brazil and the United Kingdom which are more infectious and more deadly.

“It was in consideration of the above that the state Ministry of Trade and Commerce shut down the Agbedo New Spare Parts Market for one week, with effect from Monday, February 7, 2021.”

The Commissioner insisted that the safety of Anambra people all over the world is of paramount importance to the administration, hence government will not tolerate a situation that will threaten the people’s existence.

He said that following pledges from stakeholders and traders to comply religiously with the protocols to check the pandemic, provide facilities as well as materials, facilities needed in the market and take the necessary disciplinary action against violators of the rules, the Governor has given direction for the market to be reopened.

Adinuba said the governor also considered the prevailing economic climate in the country before given order for it to be reopened.

He added: “It is necessary to warn stakeholders against abusing Governor Obiano’s compassionate decision. The state government will not hesitate to shut down this market or any other market which contravenes the protocols to check COVID-19. The health and safety of our people remain supreme.”