The Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has directed the Commissioner for Health in the state to discharge the state’s Covid-19 index case from the protective care centre.

Obiano gave the directive given the fact the second test on the index case had also returned negative.

Obiano, speaking in a statewide broadcast, noted that arrangements had also been made to decontaminate his home to ensure that there was no further incident.

His words, “In my last address to you on Saturday April 18, 2020, I informed you that the first post treatment test of the Covid-19 Index Case in Anambra State had returned negative. Today, I am delighted to tell you that the second test on our Index Case has also returned negative. Following the NCDC protocol on Covid-19, therefore, I have asked the Commissioner of Health to discharge him from our Protective Care Center. We have also made some arrangements to decontaminate his home to ensure that there is no further incident.”

He revealed that the samples of the 36 remaining people that had direct contact with the index case had been submitted for testing so as to ensure that there was no loopholes in the fight against the pandemic even as he assured the citizenry that he would keep them posted on the outcome of the tests once the results were out.

The Governor noted that all the state’s boundaries with neighbouring states remain completely closed as only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities were allowed passage after a stringent check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries.

He further said, “From today onwards, it has become compulsory to wear a face mask in Anambra State. Anyone who is seen outside his home without a face mask shall be guilty of breaking the Anambra State Protocol on Covid-19. This principle shall be enforced by all Traditional rulers, Religious Leaders, the Presidents General, Women Leaders, Market Association Leaders, Youth Association Leaders and every community leader that has influence on our people. We encourage our people to make their own masks to ensure availability of masks. However, polyester and polythene materials must not be used in making masks.

“Food markets in Anambra State are to open only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Traders and customers in these markets must always maintain the principles of Social Distancing during the transaction process.

“The wholesale medical drug market (Ndi Ogbo Ogwu) in Onitsha is permitted to open only on Tuesdays and Fridays. Please note that any stores/shops located in the markets not dealing on food items or medical drugs remain closed. The security agents have been directed to ensure a rigorous enforcement.

“Transport operators, banks and other businesses are expected to assist in the enforcement of Mask Wearing by insisting that their customers wear a mask as a pre-condition for service.

“All intercity/intra-community transits remain closed. All motor parks in the State remain closed.

“We also encourage our people to maintain the globally accepted Covid-19 protocol of regular hand-washing, regular use of hand-sanitizers and other social-distancing rules that I have repeatedly communicated in my previous addresses.”

While commending the residents of the state for their resilience, patience and cooperation so far in the fight against Coronavirus, he however reminded them that the danger was not over yet adding “I count on your support and commitment as we race to the finishing line.”

He also acknowledged that the people had continued to respond to the appeal for help and had been making donations to the Covid-19 Special Fund saying “I am most grateful to you all for your kind support both to the state and to the various communities.”

“Ndi Anambra, that is the spirit that will see us through this trying period. We shall keep updating the list of donors to ensure that no one is left out or denied due recognition.

“Before I end this address, I must not fail to commend our irrepressible healthcare workers who are the only army we have in this special war. These are brilliant men and women who keep sleepless nights that we may sleep with both eyes closed. On behalf of the good people of Anambra State, I thank you for standing strong for us all.

“Ndi Anambra, we have come a long way on this journey, but we still have some distance left to cover. Let’s all apply ourselves to the task at hand and save the days for ourselves and for our children and their unborn children”, he admonished.