Who would’ve imagined that the Coronavirus disease 2019, popularly known as Covid-19 would enter Nigeria? Definitely not some Nigerians (probably till now).
The virus crept into the country like the proverbial mouse into its mouse hole. Alas, under the watch of those sworn to protect and serve the Nigerian populace.
It all started when an Italian man carrying the virus decided that Nigeria was the next agenda on his schedule for a business meeting.
It was only a few days after which he began to show symptoms which raised serious concern all over the nation.
Traces were made to his supposed contacts during the period and in order to be tested for the deadly virus.
The peculiarity of the virus is that it will only take about 4hours of being infected to become infective, and 14days to show any symptoms.
Can you imagine? Such a person can infect many who would go ahead to infect many more and the increase could go on exponentially like that.
This was observed in countries like the US, Italy, Spain and Some other countries in Europe and Asia.
The virus hit Nigeria and before any action could be taken, the disease was on the increase in people especially the inhabitants of Lagos and Abuja before other states followed suit having cases and on increase.
Let’s not make the sacrifice(s) of essential workers in the health and research and economic sector be in vain. Be responsible and together we will flatten the curve of Covid-19 in Nigeria.
This made the President; Gen Muhammadu Buhari declare a state of emergency leading to a pronouncement of total lockdown on the states of Lagos, Ogun and the Federal capital territory.
Subsequently, the governors of other states followed suit in the attempt to contain the virus and prevent the spread further among people.
This development took a toll on Nigerians (as it did many across the world) as some people’s means of daily livelihood was hindered as a result of the lockdown.
So many others considered it as a plot by the government and its officials to perpetrate an evil agenda which they had up their sleeves. They considered the news of the pandemic as a hoax and an attempt to keep people indoors for no reason.
The government was accused of intentionally putting the people in suffering. Weeks later, the government decided that regardless of the increase in the number of cases and deaths, they had no choice other than to lift off the lockdown and allow the people to move and carry out their daily activities.
It is worthy of note to know that the virus has no cure up until now and the only way we can keep the proliferation rate of the virus from escalating in terms of infection is by observing safe hand washing technique, maintaining safe social distancing and avoiding public gathering
This wasn’t without strong order of social distancing as well as the use of nose masks as the conditions for movement. Law enforcement agents were also put in place to ensure that these orders were adhered to strictly.
The economy was also seen to take a down toll as the cost of things went up and the only source of revenue to the nation, Crude oil, was no longer on demand – it took a beating.
These led to rumors that the government had lent some money from China, the country of origin where the dreaded virus was ever recorded, as 15 Chinese doctors were brought in to aid in the fight against the virus based on the government’s claim.
Religious institutions, Schools and Public places were also declared to be placed on lockdown with an exception of Market places and Banks which had limited time of opening and eventual closing everyday.
This also didn’t go without uproar from religious leaders and faithfuls who claimed the closing of religious institutions was biased and very unfair by the government.
As the weeks roll up, we hope the situation gets better though speculation of a second wave of the infections is predicted by epidemiologists.
Ergo that, it is worthy of note to know that the virus has no cure up until now and the only way we can keep the proliferation rate of the virus from escalating in terms of infection is by observing safe hand washing technique, maintaining safe social distancing and avoiding public gathering.
That way, we may just be able to flatten the curve until a viable panacea is found. Note that infection to corona virus is not a death sentence!
Let’s not make the sacrifice(s) of essential workers in the health and research and economic sector be in vain. Be responsible and together we will flatten the curve of Covid-19 in Nigeria.
Written by: Adebagbo , Wonderful Barnabas and Bassa, Joshua Samuel.
