The promulgation of the Anambra State COVID-19 Law coupled with the
rising number of reported cases of the virus in Nigeria are strong pointers that the disease remains alive and deadly.

It is on the backdrop of this emergency that the Civil Society Network
in Anambra state took safety campaigns to markets in the state to educate traders on various government directives on the prevention of the spread of the virus, especially in Anambra state.

The group also sensitized the market people on the newly-passed law as
well as the punishments for defaulters.

The Anambra State COVID-19 Law upholds the safety measures on
prevention of the spread of the novel coronavirus including mandatory
social distancing, wearing of face masks, use of hand sanitizers and
proper washing of hands under running water.

The law stipulates fine of ten thousand naira and community service of three days or both for anyone who flouts the laws .

With the total number of reported cases of the virus in Anambra state
now fifty-three, the Civil Society Network in the state said it is resolute on
reaching every part of the state with messages on the need to obey the
COVID-19 preventive guidelines issued by both the government and
healthy care professionals.

At Afor Nawgu and Afor Ukwulu, both in Dunukofia Local Government
Area, where the group began its sensitization, the message was
supported with fliers and posters.

The Chairman of Civil Society Network in Anambra state, Mr Chris Azor,
who spoke about the campaign, said that the group, as the bridge
between the government and the people, is adding a voice to
government’s drive to ensuring control of the disease in Anambra
state.

On his part, the Director of News and Current Affairs of Anambra
Broadcasting Service, Mr Gab Okpalaeze, who was part of the campaign,
noted that the directives on the prevention of the virus in Anambra
state would not bear results if the people do not adhere to them.

Barrister Chisom Chude, a legal practitioner who explained the content
of the Anambra state COVID-19 Law to the traders frowned at the
neglect of the preventive directives of the virus, stressing that it
was important for the people to understand the legal imperative of the
legislation.