Anambra legislators take COVID-19 test

SPEAKER of Anambra State House of Assembly, Uche Okafor and other members of the state legislature have been tested for COVID-19.

  Also tested were staffs of the legislature.

  The tests were conducted by the state Ministry of Health on the invitation of Speaker Okafor. 

  Explaining the development, Speaker Okafor said the tests became necessary following recent spike in cases of the pandemic in the state. He  urged the public to always go for tests. 

  Okafor further explained that the tests have become necessary in order to ensure that none of the members and workers is infected by the virus. 

  “We must all come to terms with the reality on the ground that COVID-19 pandemic 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 tests because it is very important to know your status and take necessary steps to stay safe and be alive.

The Gov. Willie Obiano-led administration is investing a lot to contain the spread of the disease in the state and we need to support the government’s efforts by adhering to the health guidelines,” he said. 

  Speaking after the exercise, Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Vincent Okpala said COVID-19 testing was key to early detection and increased chances of survival. 

  According to him, not knowing one’s status can lead to death. 

  “Between Dec. 7, 2020 and Jan.19,  we have carried out about 5,000 tests and currently we carried out 14,600 tests and are still 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 at getting people tested on a daily basis and we have deepened sensitisation across the state, urging people to go for tests, when they feel the signs and symptoms of this disease.  The test and treatments are free; call our health lines to get tested, because the earlier we detect the disease, the better the chances of saving lives,” he said.