Covid19: Anambra Shuts Schools, Advises Against Hugs, Handshakes

The Anambra State government, Thursday, approved stringent measures to tackle coronavirus spread. A document from Anambra Government House, Awka made available to THE WHISTLER banned public gatherings and discouraged hugs and handshakes in the state.

According to the document, “All public gathering is banned ‪from 23rd March 2020‬ until further notice. Traders and Ndi Anambra who go to the markets should wash their hands frequently, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and allow them to air dry.

The use of hand sanitizers is strongly recommended if the hands are not visibly dirty while handshaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation are strongly discouraged.”

The statement adds that a distance of 6-feet should be maintained between customers and traders. “Leadership of the markets is advised to buy infrared thermometers to test any cases of their member or customer falling sick in the market.”

The measure also directed students of Anambra tertiary institutions to proceed on vacation effective 20th of March 2020 until further notice. It also suspended all inter-house sports competitions until further notice and directed school managements to provide handwash stations at the entrance of all schools and ensure that students and visitors use the facilities.

The directive equally urged school managements to take the temperature of their students regularly, and unusual cases reported to hospitals, adding that all primary and secondary schools in Anambra State proceed on indefinite vacation effective 27th March 2020.

For residents of the state, the release stated, “All residents are advised to avoid handshaking, hugging and all other forms of contact salutation. Everybody must keep a reasonable social distance when conversing with each other.

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.”

It advised members of the public to call 080309531, 08145434416 and 0810446408‬ in case of suspected cases.

It also called on hotel owners to observe standard hygiene practices, as well as take the temperature of guests and visitors with a non-contact infrared thermometer.

The state government further mandated luxury bus operators to maintain a travel manifest for inbound and outbound passengers to Anambra State, adding that, “All luxury bus owners must maintain hand wash stations and provide hand sanitizers in their buses.”