COVID-19: Anambra Govt Bans Public Gatherings, Closes Schools

Anambra State Government has declared all higher institutions will be closed from March 22 while other schools will all be shut on 27th March until further notice to contain the coronavirus epidemic.

Also, all public gatherings in the state had equally been banned by the Governor Willie Obiano.

These were contained in a document obtained by ABN TV on Thursday in Awka from the state government.

The Nation also learnt from government sources that the popular market in Onitsha would be closed next week to avoid international traders coming into the state.

The statement explained: “Students of Anambra tertiary institutions must proceed on vacation effective 20th of March 2020 until further notice.

“All inter-house sports competitions are hereby suspended until further notice.

“The management of all schools in the state must provide hand wash stations at entrance of all schools before then.

“Management of all schools must on arrival to school, take the temperature of their day students. Temperatures above 37.9 degrees Celsius must be reported to the nearest hospital.

“All primary and secondary schools in Anambra State must go on indefinite vacation effective 27th March, 2020.

“All residents in Anambra state are advised to avoid handshaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation.

“All residents returning from countries and states with active COVID-19 cases must self-isolate for 14-days and contact the Anambra state Public Health Emergency Operation Center immediately (PHEOC).”

President, Anambra Market Women Association, Mrs. Nkiru Duru, advised mothers to stuff their homes with food stuff for children not to suffer as a result of the present trial moment

Duru spoke in Awka following the planned closure of the markets by the state government next week.

She described the planned market closure as a welcome development, as markets were the easiest ways of contacting the dreaded coronavirus.