As
you read this, there are many rich people who are down with Covid-19. Whilst
some have chosen to Self Isolate, others have gone to the hospital for
treatment and are on admission. But because of their social status, they want
their treatment done in strict confidentiality. Some have not been so lucky.
Some of them have died in the process. Over the last 2 months, about 10 prominent and rich Nigerians have died as a result of Covid-19 related ailments.
And
the big question is: why are the rich people dying despite the privilege
lifestyle they live?
City
People spoke to a few doctors and they revealed that its because many of them
do have underlying issues like BP, Diabetes etc. And they live a sheltered
life, with no regular exercise. They also live in AC houses, work in AC offices
and get chauffer driven in AC cars. Many of them because of the Sweet things
they eat and drink often suffer High Sugar Levels.
We
discovered that despite the fact that many of them have Gyms at home they don’t
have the discipline to make use of the facilities they themselves put in place.
About
a month ago, Nigeria rejoiced at the downward slope of the COVID-19 pandemic
and many isolation centers were shutdown in Lagos and other major cities across
the country. However, the last two weeks has seen to an increase in the number
of cases recorded across the country amid news that the second wave had started
again from the western countries.As at 21 December, the Nigeria Centre for
Disease Control (NCDC) reported 78,434 cases, compared to 66,228 one month
earlier on 21 November.
The
UK, US and Spain are already experiencing a massive new number of cases and
Africa, especially Nigeria is not exempted. With the yuletide season already
here, 2021 may come with another shocker of the pandemic which may lead just they
way 2020 started. I know may say God forbid but the reality is that if
certain precautious steps are not taken, we may be back to square one in no
time.
WHY THIS TIME IS SO DELICATE
A
big part of the challenge is that Covid-19 spreads before people start showing
symptoms. So anybody can show up feeling the picture of health only to
unwittingly spread the virus to those they come into close contact with. And
this season is a period where people gather together showing love to one
another without taking cognizance of what is at stake. We must also remember that this particular virus frequently spreads just before someone develops
symptoms (as well as from people who never develop symptoms at all). So,
feeling fine provides little to no measure of safety.
The
activities at various market places have tremendously increased, of course,
that is expected but not without precautions. Precautions have been thrown to
the gutters. Everybody goes to the market mixing, contacting and relating as if
it’s a normal world. The new normal is not a term known in most markets in
Lagos. They are extremely over populated, people go about without face masks or
at best, poorly worn.
POROUS BORDER IS A BIG CHALLENGE
We
have not really learnt from previous experiences. People have been flying into
the country from the UK without any care whereas many other countries have
banned flights from there. If we must stop the quick spread of this second wave
of COVID-19, there is a need to be very strict with these rules. The big
question is that will the government act at the appropriate time before it is
too late?
RELIGIOUS
LEADERS ARE GUILTY TOO
Religious
houses are very much opened with little attention to COVID-19 precautions. A
Professor of Virology, OyewaleTomori, says the government has not been able to
shut down worship centres amid the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic
because the government is afraid of religious leaders in Nigeria.
Tomori,
who is the Chairman, Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, also advised
religious leaders to obey government directives aimed at guaranteeing public
health safety. “At the beginning, the government tried to speak with religious
leaders but the problem we have in this country is that we are not speaking
with one voice – the Federal will say one thing and states will say another
thing.
“In
the beginning, when the federal said let the churches be closed, some states
said, no, we are going to open the mosques. We neither spoke with one voice in
the country and that is why it has been difficult to make any tangible
decision.
“Some
of our religious leaders said the government has no right to determine who
comes to their churches but even our Lord Jesus Christ said, ‘Give unto Caesar
what is Caesar’s. Covid control is in the hands of the government. Give to the
government and follow their control. He said.
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT NEEDS TO DO NOW
First
and foremost, we must understand that we cannot afford a total lockdown now
that the country is in another recession, we must act as swiftly as possible to
reduce the spread of this second wave of the coronavirus. The first thing the
federal government needs to do now is restrict movement from some countries
where the coronavirus is very volatile. For example, there should be no flight
coming in from the UK and some states in the USA.
Some
states in the country are have already taken the right steps by banning
crossover services. A right step in the right direction to start with. But
beyond that, what happens to gatherings in homes, beaches, bars and all to
celebrate Christmas and new year. There must be a willingness from the government
to ensure the enforcement of safety rules.
All
public transporters should immediately revert to fifty percent capacity to give
room for physical distancing in commercial buses and tricycles.
Markets
should be rotated just as it was at the beginning of the pandemic to reduce the
number of commuters at bus terminals, market places and stalls. These steps
should be strictly adhered to in other to save our community from the impending
danger.
WHAT
INDIVIDUALS SHOULD DO
If
eating and/or drinking are non-negotiable, “Consider having tables spaced
around outside and people within bubbles or family units seated together.” If
you decide having people together indoors is the only option, there are several
things you can do to decrease the risk of turning your event into a Covid-19
outbreak. Most of the usual advice applies: Ensure people keep their masks on
at all times and remain physically distant. Keep the event short, and limit the
number of people attending. And increase air circulation by opening windows,
turning on fans, and cranking on the central AC or heat. If strict distancing
seems like it will be challenging, one option is to have everyone test and
quarantine beforehand. It’s not a perfect strategy, but it can decrease risks a
bit.
-DAMILARE
SALAMI
08155134152
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