Traditional rulers in Anambra State have undergone COVID-19 tests as part of measures to stem the tide of spread of the pandemic in the state. The exercise has created anxiety among the royal fathers as they await the result.
Officials of the state Ministry of Health carried out the exercise at the Traditional Rulers’ Council chambers at the Government House, Awka.
Newsmen gathered that the tests became necessary to ensure that the royal fathers were not infected by the virus as that would be dangerous for their subjects.
Deputy chairman of the council, Igwe Sunday Okafor, who spoke after the exercise, reminded his colleagues that COVID-19 was not a death sentence, adding that the test was key to early detection and would increase chances of survival.
The monarch berated some Nigerians, who still believe that COVID-19 was not real and urged them to avail themselves of the test, which is free.
While urging the state government to extend the COVID-19 testing to all the villages in the state, the royal fathers promised to ensure full enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines in their communities.
The officer in charge of Diseases Surveillance and Notification in the state, Mrs Nelly Dike explained that the second wave of COVID-19 appeared more deadly and expressed satisfaction at the turnout of the traditional rulers for the test.
According to her, knowing the status of the traditional rulers would help to curb the spread of the virus in the various communities.
