The ANAP Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank has commended the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for its diligent tracking of COVID-19 cases and the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government to recognize that the second wave of the pandemic is upon us.
In a statement jointly signed by Atedo N. A. Peterside (Chairman) and Abubakar Siddique Mohammed (Vice-Chairman), the Think Tank expressed the alarm at the rate of increase and pattern of cases now spreading rapidly across Nigeria with a new high of 1,145 cases confirmed on 17 December 2020.
“At the height of the first wave, the highest ever incident in Nigeria was 790 cases on 01 July 2020. The data from the NCDC below shows the rapid pace of the second wave of infections compared to the first wave.
“We therefore call on all stakeholders, led by the Federal and State Governments, to come up with a smart crisis management plan to address this second wave.
“Our response must take into consideration Nigeria’s realities: recession, high unemployment and rising insecurity: we cannot shut down small businesses. While countries across the world are experimenting with variations of lockdown measures to balance lives and livelihoods as infection cases rise amidst the yuletide season and festivities, we should look to countries with similar realities such as Ethiopia and Senegal,” the statement read.
The Think Tank recommended that businesses should stay open across the country on the condition that all Nigerians self-regulate and “celebrate responsibly” by wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distance from one another, avoiding indoor crowds and washing hands frequently.
It also recommended intensification of campaigns on public health policy behavioral change with firm and humane oversight by applicable agencies and society leaders.
The Foundation also called on those who can to work from home.
It advised that Nigeria should not join the reactive ban on flights to and from the United Kingdom and other hotspots due to the existing robust travel protocols requiring tests before boarding, 7 days isolation on arrival and a second test.
It also called for closer monitoring of the post-arrival COVID quarantine of travellers into Nigeria, saying this would help limit the risk of imported infections.
“We believe that effective implementation of the above measures along with adherence to recent awareness campaigns spearheaded by NCDC, PTF, Kaduna and Lagos State Governments can help ease the hardship on citizens whilst curbing the spread of COVID-19,” the Foundation added.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
