COVID-19: Anambra, Niger declare total lockdown

The governors of Anambra and Niger states have announced total lockdown in their respective states.

This is as a result of coronavirus case in the states. Both COVID-19 patients returned to their states from Lagos.

Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra state, expressed regret that despite measures taken by his administration to prevent an outbreak of COVID-19, “the virus found its way into the state”.

Speaking in Awka, the state capital, he advised residents to stay indoors, while exempting those on essential duty.

“I regret to announce that in spite of our proactive measures to insulate our dear state from this pandemic, we recorded the first case of coronavirus in the state yesterday,” he said.

“The index case came in from Lagos and has been placed in one of our protective care centres. We have commenced aggressive contact tracing to ensure that everyone he came in contact with is brought into the net for professional handling that will save lives.

“I urge you not to panic over this. It did not take us by surprise; we are adequately prepared to handle the situation. We have trained enough manpower on how to handle COVID-19 cases and our protective care centres are among the best in the country at the moment. On the strength of this, I urge you to stand strong in prayer and faith.”

According to NAN, Obiano, who announced that the total lockdown would commence on April 11, commended the people of the state for their cooperation with the government and various institutions.

On his part, Abubakar Bello, governor of Niger, said the two-week lockdown would begin from Monday.

He made the declaration while briefing journalists after an extensive, emergency executive meeting at the government house in Minna, the state capital, on Saturday.

He said the decision became necessary after the confirmation of one positive case of COVID-19, disclosing that the patient is a returnee from Lagos and resides at Limawa community in Minna.

Bello said Limawa community will also be in isolation for the two-week period, with health workers would be engaged to sensitise members of the community during the period.

All religious gatherings in churches and mosques have been suspended till further notice.

He regretted the earlier decision by the state government to relax the restriction order that was in place, which he said was taken for granted by citizens without regard to social distancing and necessary hygienic practices.

The governor added that palliatives would be provided to the poorest in the society, and warned politicians not to hijack the items when they are released.