COVID-19: Anambra Suspends Schools, Bans Mass Gathering

As Nigeria records more cases of coronavirus, the Anambra state government has banned public gathering in the state until further notice, starting from Monday, March 23.

The state government, under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano in a statement released on Thursday, March 19, provided health advisory for various sectors in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The government advised traders who go to the markets to wash their hands frequently, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and allow it to air dry.

It also recommended the use of hand sanitizers handshaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation are strongly discouraged.

“A distance of 6-feet should be maintained between customers and traders,” the government said.

It also advised the leadership of the markets to buy an infrared thermometer to test any cases of their member or customer falling sick in the market.

The state government directed that all its tertiary institutions must proceed on vacation effective Friday, March 20, until further notice.

It instructed the management of the primary and secondary schools to provide handwash stations at the entrance of all schools and ensure that all students and visitors wash their hands frequently.

The state government further directed that inter-house sports competitions be suspended until further notice.

It also directed that all the primary and secondary schools in the state must go on indefinite vacation effective Friday, March 27.

“Management of all hotels must take the temperature of guests and visitors with a non-contact infrared thermometer,” the state government said.

Similar instructions were also issued to transport companies and the passengers in the state. The general residents in the state are advised to avoid handshaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation and avoid unnecessary travels.

“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). During self-isolation, they must take their temperatures twice daily. PHEOC numbers are ‪080309531; 08145434416;0810446408‬,” the statement concluded.