How We Can Effectively Overcome COVID-19 as a Country

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This will enable us as a country to save costs and enhance our economy despite the pandemic. It is said that ” it is not what you don’t have that limits you, it is what you have but don’t know how to use”.

The government must, however, implement the border closure and ban international flights to prevent smuggling of goods and curtail the virus.

The stay at the home policy is a good health approach but I must tell the Nigerian government this inevitable fact- The average Nigerian is faced with a dilemma of staying at home on an empty stomach – – leading to starvation – – eventually causing death OR going about their daily business at a high risk of contracting COVID-19 just to put food on the table.

It is hence, the obligation of the government to create economic packages or stimulus where individuals especially those from low-income households can receive support in form of cash or kind to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.

The government should not complain of lack of funds because you and I can agree we often hear of the billions of Naira donated by well-meaning Nigerians to aid in the fight of the pandemic.

It is sad to say that these so-called funds can best be described as ‘cosmetic’ or ‘audio donations’ because the average person does not feel the impact of such funds.

I challenge the Nigerian government to set up a committee of citizens with integrity to oversee the disbursement of funds, foodstuff and safety kits to those in need. The aim of this committee should be to ensure transparency, accountability, even distribution, and equality.

Lastly, sensitization programmes should be carried out especially in rural communities by means of television, radio, flyers, billboards, newspapers, etc.

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Sensitization can be carried out in local languages to ensure proper information dissemination. Proper training of medical staff and the provision of quarantine facilities and research laboratories is also paramount. There should also be the provision of potable pipe-borne water- for effective handwashing and adequate power supply – to keep our young ones productive and mentally engaged.

On the other side of the coin, you and I undoubtedly have roles we must equally play to support our government in tackling COVID-19. These include;

*Maintaining social distancing of at least 2 metres and staying at home.
* Self-isolation if experiencing symptoms like fever, dyspnoea (shortness of breath), or chronic cough. Suspected cases should be reported to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) before visiting the hospital. {toll free line—080097000010}.
*Purchase of safety kit comprising of alcohol-based hand sanitizer, thermometer, medicated facial masks, etc. Also, practice regular hand washing for at least 20 seconds.

*The Nigerian media should also desist from spreading fake news and fallacies on COVID-19. For authentic news and update visit; www.ncdc.gov.ng

*Health is wealth, always keep fit by eating adequately, especially fruits and vegetables to boost your immune system and exercise regularly.

In summary, the COVID 19 crisis requires a joint effort by the Nigerian government and its citizens to defeat the pandemic.

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One side cannot succeed without the order, remember that co-operation brings about better results for when the right-hand washes the left hand and the left-hand washes the right hand, BOTH hands become clean.

The journey will not be easy but together we can overcome. We did it for Ebola we can do the same for COVID-19.
Alone I can be heard, but together we can make a difference.

What are your thoughts on this?