Lockdown Suspension: An Open Invitation to COVID-19 in Nigeria
Quite unfortunate, the situation was scary in Nigerian states as people flagrantly violated all the guidelines, not minding the disastrous consequences of their actions.
In a bid to cushion the economic effects of Covid-19 among Nigerians, especially residents in Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, President Muhammadu Buhari announced the suspension of the lockdown order in the country.
The suspension was announced with some guidelines to follow. Compulsory use of face masks, adherence to social distancing and avoidance of lager gatherings are among the stipulated guidelines.
Also part of the of the guidelines is reduction in the number of passengers on commercial vehicles. These guidelines are aimed at curtailing the spread of the pandemic.
Quite unfortunate, the situation was scary in Nigerian states as people flagrantly violated all the guidelines, not minding the disastrous consequences of their actions.
It is pathetic that Nigerians could frustrate government’s efforts with such reckless abandon.
Following the suspension of lockdown and re-opening of businesses, it is surprising that an exponential increase in cases of coronavirus has been recorded
While disclosing this in a statement on Monday May 4, 2020, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control stated that a total of 245 new cases were recorded.
At of Tuesday, 24 hours after the suspension of the lockdown, the total number of infections in the country rose to 2,802.
Despite the warning against large gatherings, large groups of people often were seen gathering by the road waiting for public transport. Bank premises were besieged by customers.
Preventive measures were completely ignored. Commercial bus drivers loaded their buses with passengers without face masks.
This situation calls for urgent attention. It must be arrested to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
Lagos State government in particular must act fast to introduce measures to control the large gathering in the state.