The Transition Committee (TC) Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Mazi Emmanuel Kanu, has led a team of health workers on public enlightenment campaign to the communities within the council.
The exercise was in compliance with the directive by the Abia State government, to educate the rural populace on the outbreak of the deadly coronavirus, and the steps being taken by the authorities to mitigate the scourge of the pandemic.
The team, on Thursday March 27, toured the villages in Arochukwu, Isu and Ututu communities, as well as and the main markets.
At each stop over, Kanu and his team of health workers addressed the people, and educated them about the pandemic.
He reiterated the State government’s directive banning social gatherings such as marriage ceremonies and burials within the period under consideration, saying the directive became necessary to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
He said the restrictions will be relaxed when the government feels it is safe enough to do so.
He advised the locals to imbibe the culture of regular washing of hands with clean water and soap, avoid shaking of hands and hugging, as the virus spreads by contact.
The team, in continuation of the sensitization programme, plans to visit Abam and Ihechiowa communities today – Saturday, March 28, 2020.
It should be noted that Abia State government had banned burial and wedding ceremonies of more than 30 guests. It also banned the gathering of more than 50 persons for the purpose of religious activities, for a period of 30 days.
As the pandemic has not yet abated, the State is further tightening its security measures against the virus. Already, it has indicated plans to close its land borders, and only allow entry after screening of persons.
Indeed, the government had earlier disclosed that it has provided what it described as adequate media resources to launch aggressive sensitization campaign in the State through partnership with private and government owned media houses in the State and beyond.
The committee charged with the responsibility has advised all electronic broadcast institutions in the state to emphasize Igbo versions of their sensitization materials in order to reach more Abians in rural areas.
In the same vein, all LGA Transition Council chairmen in the State have been directed to enlist the services of town criers to support the sensitization effort.
Sanitizers have reportedly been distributed to health workers in the State and automatic sanitizers mounted in government health institutions and offices.
The committee has reviewed proposals to close both public and private schools in the state, measures to stop any gathering of more than 50 persons, and protection of markets without disrupting normal activities and/or creating panic.