- Flays criminalization of index case
Security operatives in Anambra State have commenced the enforcement of the total lockdown order announced by Governor Willie Obiano, after its COVID-19 index case was unveiled.
The government has also condemned the open criminalisation of the State’s index case of COVID-19.
Roadside traders, newspaper vendors, intrastate/intra-city transporters were all sent back home, while few who are allowed to move around the city were made to properly identify themselves.
Policemen are on all major roads in the State sending residents back to their homes.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, SP Haruna Mohammed, said in a statement that: “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that the Command, in compliance with the directives of the state governments in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, has commenced total enforcement of lockdown order in the state with immediate effect.
“In view of this, the public is kindly requested to stay at home. No movement, no local transportation. The index case has been in the state since March 28, and has socialised extensively with others.
“This extreme restriction became necessary in order to identify and isolate primary and secondary contacts as well as ensure that no further spread as the contact tracing is ongoing.”
Meanwhile, some commercial bus drivers and their passengers were arrested in Amansea, a boundary community with Enugu State, while trying to sneak out on Saturday night.
The Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Christian Madubuko, reportedly rushed to the boundary community after he was notified of the attempt by the commuters to force their way out of the state.
Meanwhile, the government has condemned the open criminalization of its COVID-19 index case.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. C. Don Adinuba, decried various social media publications, which named the patient, and called on the people to distance themselves from him.
Communities in the State had also released statements disclaiming the patient as their indigene.
But Adinuba condemned the actions, saying the patient needs the support of all, to remain emotionally balanced for treatment to continue.
He urged those unveiling his identity to desist from it, saying it is against medical best practices in handling the disease.
- Media Report