By Ife Osemedua
Following the spike in cases of COVID-19 in the state, members and staff of the Anambra State House of Assembly on Tuesday submitted themselves to a compulsory test to ensure that none of them is infected by the virus.
Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Uche Okafor, told journalists that the action became necessary following the alarming rate with which the virus was spreading in all communities in the state.
“We must all come to terms with the reality on the ground that COVID-19 is real, it is in our midst and it is killing people.
“This exercise is to show to our people that there is no harm in going for COVID-19 test because it is very important to know your status and take the necessary steps to stay safe and alive.
“The Governor Willie Obiano administration is investing a lot to contain the spread of the disease in the state and we need to support government’s efforts by adhering to the health guidelines,” he said.
In his address, the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Vincent Okpala, said not knowing one’s status can lead to death, and as such, COVID-19 testing was key to early detection and increased chances of survival.
Okpala said that the number of COVID-19 positive cases had gone up since the beginning of the second wave compared to the first wave where the state recorded one of the least number of positive cases.
“Between December 7, 2020 and January 19, we have carried out about 5,000 tests, as at today we are at 14,600 tests and counting, out of which 515 are positive.
“We are glad that we have built a system to deal with this pandemic but what we don’t want is to overwhelm the system.
“This is why we have increased our ability of getting people tested on a daily basis and we have deepened sensitisation across the state urging people to go for test when they feel the signs and symptoms of this disease.
“The test and treatment are free, call our health lines to get tested. Because the earlier we detect the disease, the better chances of saving lives, ” he said.
While urging the lawmakers to enlighten their constituents, the commissioner commended the legislators for leading by example by wearing their facemasks and observing physical distancing.