Government of Anambra State has directed civil servants in the State to commence fourteen day work from home, starting from Tuesday, twenty-forth March, 2020.
Governor Willie Obiano, who gave the directive during a statewide broadcast, said that the move is a proactive measure against the ravaging effects of Corona virus pandemic.
Government House Correspondent, Ejike Abana reports that the Governor who announced the set up of an action committee on COVID-19 headed by himself, also announced that the directive excludes staff on essential duties.
The Governor equally announced suspension of all public services , except a meeting of not more than thirty persons, calling on Ndi Anambra to observe all preventive measures against the virus to stay safe, directing Traditional rulers in various communities to ensure compliance or be held accountable.
Governor Obiano said that all public gatherings are also suspended in Anambra State till further notice with effect from March twenty-third, 2020, including traditional marriage ceremonies, community festivals, Ofala festivals, masquerade festivals, Igbankwu nwanyi, funeral ceremonies, baby christening, new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies and any meeting of more thirty people.
He directed that all public transport operators should submit the manifest of all passengers coming into Anambra State to the appropriate authorities with their names, phone numbers, residential addresses and final destination, mandating the public to maintain a habit of frequent hand-washing with soap and water as well as use alcohol based hand sanitizers.
The Governor stressed that no Keke or tricycle rider should carry more than two passengers at a time, drivers of shuttle buses should not carry more than three passengers at a time, cautioning drivers of township and mini buses against carrying more than five passengers at a time.
He also announced the closure of all night clubs until further notice, advising residents to endeavor to sit at home, while operators of bars and restaurants should not admit more than thirty customers at a time and must adhere strictly to the basic standards of social distancing, as well as provide hand-washing points and hand sanitizers for their customers.
While assuring of his administration’s determination to do its best to preserve life and restore normalcy within the shortest possible time, he emphasized that any violation will attract immediate closure of such facility, stressing that all persons returning to Anambra State from all countries of the world and states that have Covid-19 cases must go into self-isolation for fourteen days and report to appropriate authorities , stating that security agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance.
Members of the Action Committee on COVID-19 are Dr Vincent Okpala, Commissioner for Health, Mr C. Don Adinuba, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, Professor Igwegbe Anthony and Professor Oby Emelummadu.
Others are Dr Simon Ushie, Dr Basil Nwankwo, Dr Emmanuel Azuike, Dr Ifeoma Njelita, Dr Uche Onyejimbe, Dr Chijioke Obagha, Professor Maurice Iwu, Dr Joe Akabuike, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, Dr Ernest Ifebi, Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, Dr Onyeka Ibezim and Chidi Kanu.
Right Honourable Uche Okafor, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief Primus Odili, Chief Uzu Okagbue and Chinedu Aniagboso are also part of the committee.
All calls related to suspected Covid-19 should be routed to Anambra Public Health Emergency Operation Center on 08030953771 and 08117567363.
