Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has announced that nine people have been killed by coronavirus disease in Anambra State.

Obiano said this on Wednesday in a special broadcast to people of the state on Wednesday.

He said out of the nine victims, seven were people above the age of 60.

Asking the people not to panic about the rising cases of the pandemic in the state, Obiano said a team of medical experts were on top of the situation.

He said,

“I am here to give you an update on the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in our dear state.

“As we are all aware, there is a surge in the incidence of COVID-19 nationwide at the moment. I have repeatedly warned that as we ramp up our testing campaign, the number of COVID-19 cases would go up.

“It should not surprise anyone therefore that the number of COVID-19 cases has gone up in our dear state with the increased number of testing.

“However, as I have assured you in my previous addresses, we have made adequate arrangements to contain the virus in Anambra State.

“So, I would advise everyone to remain calm. There is no need to panic. If we continue to carry out the safety measures outlined in the COVID-19 protocol by both the World Health Organisation and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, we shall survive this pandemic.

He added,

“Following our active search campaign across the state, we have collected a total of 302 samples so far. Out of this figure, 230 results have been released to us while 72 results are still pending with the NCDC testing centre.

He said out of the 230 results that had been released to the state, 53 results returned positive, 13 patients had been discharged, nine people passed away while 31 cases were still active and seven patients were in the protective care centre, receiving medical attention.

Reminding the people that the Anambra State COVID-19 and Other Dangerous Diseases Prevention and Eradication Law had come into effect, the governor vowed to enforce the law to the letter.