Written by: Chinma Enem

The turbulent effect of the novel Coronavirus pandemic, codenamed COVID-19, has, undoubtedly, put the country on edge. It is interesting to see Nigerians gradually united to stop the outbreak of the deadly virus. The Federal government is on serious precaution over the pandemic, just as other governments across the globe.

Anambra State government, on its bid to mitigate the spread of the pandemic, has taken some commendable steps. Tough times, they say, call for tough measures and it is interesting to know that precautionary measures have been initiated to prevent the spread of cases in the state.

Even though the state has not reported any infection at the moment, Governor Willie Obiano has instituted preventive measures and banned public gatherings of more than 30 people, while boundaries into the state remain closed. Governor Obiano equally directed that all public transport operators such as keke also known as tricycle, should not to carry more than two passengers, mini buses were warned not to carry more than five and shuttle buses not to carry more than 3 passengers at a time.   

It is applaudable, that Anambra State government embarked on vigorous campaigns, promoting hygiene measures. Consequentially, a visit to some of the financial institutions and shopping malls around the state indicate that most staff of the institution have taken precautionary measures by covering their mouth, nose and hands to checkmate the disease.

The government is also appealing to Ndi Anambra to adhere strictly to all personal hygiene and prevention tips at all times, including staying at home, keeping safe distance of one metre apart, washing of hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and running water or alcohol-based hand rub as well as covering of nose and mouth with disposable tissue or using flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing. Ndi Anambra are enjoined to avoid close contact with people who are unwell and not to touch eyes, nose or mouth if the hands are unclean and to stay home and self isolate from others if one feels unwell.

In this connection, Governor Obiano has made tremendous effort to mitigate the harsh effect of the measures by providing Anambra rice for distribution to every community to persons from seventy years and above. In addition, Anambra State government has enforced the order by the federal government, reducing the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) from N145 per litre to about N125. This aims to relieve the burden of the masses in this trying time.

More so, in order to remedy the spread of the pandemic virus, Anambra state has three protection centres located at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka; Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, and Onitsha General Hospital, which are being constantly upgraded. There are also are surge centres to accommodate patients from the three hospitals, if need be.

The surge centres are at Umueri General Hospital; Ekwulobia General Hospital; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital, Awka and the Auditorium of the National Youth Service corps (NYSC) camp at Mbaukwu. There are also plans to get the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control to checkmate the response activities and interventions on CONVID-19 pandemic.

Anambra State government urges those who want to donate money, machines, equipment or materials like personal protective gear, examination gloves, stretchers,  surgical gloves, automated IUC beds and infrared thermometers to kindly send them to the office of the Secretary to the State Government(SSG), Government House, Awka and their donations will be acknowledged.

Already, many individuals and organizations have been donating to the project. May God bless them. It is commendable to note that Ndi Anambra and Anambra State government are working assiduously hard to fight the scourge of COVID-19 together in the best of their ability with the hope that this turbulent time will come to an end very coon. God bless Ndi Anambra. God bless Anambra State, the light of the Nation. Together, we shall win the fight!

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