Since the advent of the second wave of COVID-19 infections, Governor Obiano has expressed his concern over the rising COVID-19 infections. He pleaded with the people that they should protect themselves from the pandemic.
According to Mr Obiano, “There have been 80 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the state since the second wave began two weeks ago, meaning an average of 40 cases per week. In contrast, the state used to record nine cases per week on average in the first wave.” He expressed his disappointment that a large number of people do not believe in the existence of the virus in spite of the deaths of some high profile Nigerians in the second wave.
He gave an example of two individuals who tested positive for the virus and instead of isolating and treating themselves; they rather went for a wedding party and infected a large number of people.
Governor Obiano commended the state’s COVID-19 Management Team for their excellent professionalism and competence while urging residents to go for a free test and possible treatment of the virus. He stated that since the beginning of the second wave, the team has not lost a single patient.
He stated that COVID-19 is not just a health matter but also a major development challenge. “ It costs the authorities, individuals and groups everywhere in the world a lot of financial resources to build testing and treatment centres, and a lot of money to train the personnel to handle the situation. In Anambra, we trained not just doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists and nurses, but also ward cleaners and ambulance drivers in the management of COVID-19,” he said.
Governor Obiano pleaded with the people to follow all the COVID-19 protocol including wearing of facemasks, regular washing of hands with water and soap and maintain social distance.
The Governor stated that Anambra has a total capacity of 500 isolation centres in the state and only 80 COVID-19 patients were being treated at the centres as most people chose to rather stay at home for their treatment.
