Gov cautions against panic, urges adherence to safety protocols
Anambra State Government has begun a house-to-house search to trace citizens who might show signs of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and treat them.
This followed the second wave of the pandemic in which the state government confirmed that cases rose from 290 to 299 in one week.
The Guardian learnt that the number of deaths remained 19, as six persons are still on admission, while about 274 cases have been discharged, following the setting up of collection points for tests administered on 9,000 persons in some wards.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vin Okpala, who disclosed this at the weekend, pointed out that the intensification of measures was to help to contain the spread of pandemic in the state.
He said to achieve this, the ministry stepped up its risk communication training in the 21 council areas with the transition committee chairmen, ward transition councilors, ward development chairmen, COVID-19 Action Team and youth leaders to assist in the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols during the Christmas period.
He noted that Anambra was among the first states in the country to organise risk surveillance in the 326 wards of the state, stressing that the training, was aimed at improving risk communication for COVID-19 pandemic.
Okpala cautioned against the tendency to live in self-denial, pointing out that the virus still exists, a development, ho contended called for strengthening of guards and adherence to guidelines and protocols.
He urged residents to always keep to the COVID-19 preventive protocols of wearing of face masks, constant washing of hands and others to contain the second wave of Coronavirus, adding that observing the COVID-19 protocols was crucial in keeping safe.
MEANWHILE, the state government has organised a training programme for religious leaders on preventive measures for the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
The training was aimed at equipping them with knowledge to ensure the protection of their members against the pandemic through adherence to the COVID-19 protocols in Churches and Mosques, insisting that the pandemic was real.
Also, the state Ministry of Health organised a refresher course for the 326 Ward transition committee councilors in the 21 council areas of the state in collaboration with Africa Centre for Disease Control (ACDC) to educate them on the need to assist in disseminating the message in their communities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Willie Obiano, expressed dismay that most people no longer observe the standard COVID-19 protocols of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Obiano, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke, advised Anambra people not to panic over the second wave of COVID-19, but continue to obey the safety guidelines, as no vaccine had been approved for its treatment.
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