Obiano Warns Fake COVID -19 Task Force Of Tough Consequences
THE Governer of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has cautioned fake COVID-19 task force members parading themselves around the State to desist or face the consequences.
He gave the warning during a state-wide broadcast to update ndi Anambra on the COVID-19 situation, shortly after a virtual meeting with the State COVID-19 Task Force, our correspondent reports that the briefing was held at the Governor’s Lodge, Onitsha.
Governor Obiano said that he was reliably informed that such fake agents are on the prowl vested in fake COVID-19 uniforms in Onitsha, Nkpor and Obosi, stressing that only officials of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade, Anambra Traffic Management Agency, ATMA and trained COVID-19 Task Force in Anambra markets have been authorized to enforce compliance to the COVID-19 law.
He pointed out that so far in Anambra, a total of 608 samples have been collected out of which 502 tests were carried out.
The governor added that out of the total number, 12 deaths have been recorded with 118 positive cases, 489 negative cases and 77 patients have been discharged.
According to Governor Obiano, within Anambra’s 600-bed capacity Protective Care Centers, only two patients are currently being attended.
He restated that even though the virus is not a death sentence, early detection, test and management is key to surviving the virus.
Governor Obiano announced that the COVID-19 testing laboratory at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), has started functioning, adding that already, the laboratory has ran a total of 208 Covid-19 tests within its short period of operation.
He explained that each of its 5 machines has an installed capacity to run 470 tests in 24 hours, implying that when fully optimized, the molecular laboratory can run a total of 2,350 Covid-19 tests in 24 hours.
The governor called on everyone to join hands to tackle the virus head-on through increased sensitization, total compliance to all COVID-19 protocols among other measures stipulated by government.
Governor Obiano regretted that alertness about the virus is dropping, emphasizing that law enforcement agents will deal with anybody or group of people contravening the COVID-19 laws in the markets, streets, churches or any social gatherings.
While commending Anambra State health officials for their efforts in the fight against the virus, he announced that in the coming days, number of COVID-19 cases may rise up due to increased tests, using Anambra’s new COVID-19 Molecular lab, urging the people to remain calm and vigilant as the country is gradually relaxing the lockdown.
BY SUNNY A. DAVID
