By Ikenna Aniagboso

The Anambra state Commisioner for health, Dr Vincent Okpala has confirmed the state government’s commitment to containing the spread of the dreaded Covid-19 virus.

Dr Okpala revealed this during a live interactive sensitization programme on ABS Radio/TV, Awka Sunday, March 29, 2020 where he confirmed the existence of the virus and the alarming fatality rates in the leading nations of the world which made the World Health Organisation, WHO, to describe it as a global pandemic.

During the live programme, The Health Commisioner said that there’s no officially tested and registered case of Covid-19 yet in Anambra state. He however stated that the state government led by Chief Willie Obiano has taken proactive measures to ensure that the virus is prevented from spreading into the state.

The Anambra state government created an action committee and started early to create awareness and sensitize Ndi Anambra in the markets, churches and the communities on the necessary precautions to take in order to prevent and contain the spread of the virus. Dr. Okpala stressed the need for adequate preventive measures as veritable means of containing the spread of the ravaging disease.

The state government has also set up isolation centers in COOU Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and General Hospital, Onitsha. There are also surge centers at Immaculate Heart Multispecialty Hospital, Aguleri and the NYSC Camp Mbaukwu/Umuawaulu.

Beyond this, the government has taken delivery of the first set of medical supplies to aid the prevention and management of victims should any case arise. While the government expects more, Ndi Anambra and organizations are donating handsomely towards securing the state against the Covid-19 virus.

Taking questions from his host Chief Uche Nworah, MD of ABS Radio/TV, the health Commisioner mentioned social distancing, avoidance of contact salutation, sneezing/coughing into the folded elbow or disposable tissue paper as measures to prevent the spread of the virus. He also said that washing of hands regularly with soap, under running water or the use of hand sanitizers, containing alcohol can kill the virus and help in stopping the spread.

The Commissioner warned that lack of personal hygiene could expose one to the virus. “We must desist from touching our faces often. The hands touch a lot of surfaces that may have been compromised or even people with the virus. It is important that we do not rub our eyes, pick our noses or put something in the mouth as this may introduce the virus into our system. It is for this reason that we must observe the hygiene and preventive protocol listed by government and health organizations”, he emphasized.

Dr Okpala reassured while responding to callers of Gov Obiano’s commitment to the continued safety and security of Ndi Anambra. “The priority of the Governor now is to ensure that Ndi Anambra are protected from the Coronavirus. This is the reason why the Governor and the action team which he heads, proactively shut down schools and banned public gatherings. It has also finalized arrangements to close our boundaries with states like Imo, Enugu and Delta states, especially when these states have already announced the closure of their own boundaries”.

Continuing, the Commissioner explained that markets have also been closed with the exception of food and pharmaceuticals. “These are all measures to prevent the spread of the virus. We are also reaching the hinterlands through the traditional rulers, the Presidents General and the churches to ensure that the villagers are adequately informed”.

“Our Governor, Chief Willie Obiano also recognized the need for palliatives to cushion the effect of the drastic measures, so he announced a stimulus package to take care of the vulnerable first”. The Governor announced that 200 bags of rice will be given to each of the 179 communities in Anambra state. Onitsha and Obosi will get additional 200bags each because of their large population. The bags of rice will be distributed to the elderly folks who are 70 years and above. More palliatives will be announced soon.

Concluding, the Commisioner assured Ndi Anambra that testing positive to Covid-19 does not spell doom for the victim. “There’s still hope for victims as chances of surviving is high. However, it is everyone’s responsibility to report early to the Anambra State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre Hotlines if symptoms are noticed.”

The symptoms include: sore throat, dry and persistent coughing, fever (high temperature), tiredness, difficulty in breathing.

The numbers to call are:

09034728047, 09034668319, 08163594310, 09034663273, 08145434416, 08117567363

Whatsapp – 09033805959

SMS (Text message) – 09074285546

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