Obiano eases lockdown, markets, churches to reopen

28 days after it locked down the state, Anambra State Government has announced some adjustments in the lockdown.

Governor Willie Obiano announced in a special broadcast on Covid-19 on Saturday.
Part of the adjustments announced by the governor was the resumption of normal business in food markets, restaurants and bars and the reopening of churches.

The operations of the markets, the governor explained, must, however, be conducted in compliance with the principles of Social Distancing and facilities for hand-washing points with soap and hand sanitizers made available at the entry points.

“Following the outcome of all the tests we have conducted so far and the impressive cooperation we have received from our people in these past few weeks, we are encouraged to reopen all food markets including restaurants and bars in Anambra State with immediate effect.“As a result, I have scheduled a meeting with the leaders of all the markets in Anambra State for Monday, April 27, 2020, to review our position and agree on when to reopen our markets.

“With regards to religious groups, leaders of the church should ensure that worshippers comply with the standards protocols of Covid-19 which includes wearing of face masks to church, among others. Church leaders should decide how best to conduct mass and service in strict adherence to the principles of social distancing to ensure that worshippers are not endangered. Please note that there should be no crusades and vigils for the time being,” the governor said.

He further reopened movement within the state but said all the state boundaries with neighbouring states remain completely closed.

“Only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities are allowed passage after a thorough check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries. The illegal motor parks operating at the boundaries shall be quickly dismantled with immediate effect. Crossing the boundaries on foot is not allowed. The law enforcement has been directed to see to that.

“The directive on the wearing of face masks remains fully in force. Nobody should step out of their homes without wearing a face mask,” he stated.

Obiano said the state will continue to emphasize strict compliance with the globally accepted Covid-19 protocol of regular hand-washing, regular use of hand-sanitizers and other social-distancing rules.

On the status of the state as regard COVID-19, the governor said the all the samples of the 36 people that had direct contact with the Index Case submitted for testing, have all returned negative.

He said, “I am delighted to inform you that our Index Case has been discharged and has reunited with his family. Ndi Anambra, I urge you not to fear but rather exercise your faith in God. Covid-19 is not a death sentence. All in all, we have sent 68 tests out of which only one returned positive (and that was our Index Case).”
Obiano, however, revealed that the state is awaiting the result of just one sample at the moment.

“With these results, we are encouraged to do more together to ensure that our beloved state is safe for all of us. We are encouraged to work harder, to fight harder and to sacrifice even more to keep Anambra State free from Coronavirus,” Obiano concluded.

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