On Monday Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has signed into law the Anambra State COVID-19 and other Dangerous Diseases Prevention and Eradication bill.
The Governor said the bill which was recently passed by the State House of Assembly became necessary in order to legitimise measures taken by the Anambra State Government to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Accenting to the bill, Gov. Obiano emphasised the need for Ndi Anambra and everyone residing in the state, to comply with the hygiene protocols established by relevant health organisations and the state government.
He said, “The protocols and other healthcare advisories are now backed by law and would attract penalties if contravened.”
Mr Uche Okafor, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who was at the signing into law of the bill affirmed that the COVID-19 law was germane to the effectiveness of the battle against the contagion and other pandemics that might arise in future.
Mr Uche Okafor noted that the law was necessary to strengthen, validate, and legalise the state government’s policies on COVID-19 pandemic and other related health matters.
Mr. Okafor said, “Certain rights of an individual like the right to movement and association as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended are restricted.
“Some aspects of our culture like contact salutation; traditional, social, and religious festivities have been stopped.
“Even though the advisories are already in the public domain, with commensurate compliance by Ndi Anambra, there is a need to legitimise them for effective enforcement.’’
Mr Uche Okafor added that the law has 15 sections and that it provides for the protection of medical professionals, healthcare providers and other frontline workers in an epidemic or pandemic.
