Anambra State Government says It has come to its knowledge that certain individuals and groups have been going about their business in defiance of the directives, guidelines and relevant laws on the prevention of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state.
A release issued by the State Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, said government has noticed that these groups and individuals neither wash their hands regularly for up to 20 seconds with water and soap, nor observe social distancing of two metres.
He also observed that such people do not apply sanitisers, and do not wear face coverings or when they do, the face masks cover only their jaws or their chins whereas face masks are meant to cover the mouth and nostrils because these are critical orifices through which the virus enters the human body.
According to the Commissioner, worse is that some people have begun to conduct burials and funerals as well as title taking ceremonies with pomp and pageantry, and in the process attract huge crowds.
The Commissioner said State Government views the development with the seriousness it deserves because of the enormous implications on the health of the people.
He informed that consequently, Governor Willie Obiano has issued a proclamation on the mandatory observance of COVID-19 protocols in the State, and that anyone who fails to comply with the protocols would be prosecuted at any of the Mobile Courts set up to try offenders.
State Government therefore, enjoined Presidents General of Town Unions, Traditional Rulers, Chairmen and Members of Local Government Transition Committees, Market Leaders, Officers of various Unions and Associations as well as Religious Leaders to ensure that their followers comply strictly with the directives, guidelines and law on fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
State Government warned that any Town Union President General or Igwe or Local Government Transition Committee Chairman who allows a ceremony which attracts a crowd of more than 30 persons would be charged with dereliction of duty and sanctioned appropriately.
The State Government thanked all individuals, groups, organisations and communities that have gone beyond the call of duty to mobilise their people in the fight against coronavirus, and in particular, the Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, for his extraordinary commitment and devotion.
Government noted that he has also demonstrated inspiring leadership in the battle and has, as a result, challenged all the leaders of the state in various endeavours to do more for the people.
The release expressed hope that together, the people of Anambra State will win the war against COVID-19.
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