#COVID 19# : BEFORE IT BECOMES A CATASTROPHE IN NIGERIA.

It is no longer news that the novel Corona Virus is in Nigeria and it is fast spreading especially in FCT, (Abuja) and Lagos State and some other states having one or two cases. Lest we forget, when it comes to power, religion, economy, social etc Abuja and Lagos State stays up there in the curve.

The Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed few days ago informed the nation that more than 4000 Nigerians who came in contact with confirmed cases are being traced to facilitate testing for convid 19, for possible treatment if the results are positive. As at the time of this write up, a little above 260 individuals have been traced and tested with 81 coming out positive. This is over a period of 2 weeks. Despite the relatively low numbers, one of the main worries is what will happen once the virus reaches the crowded inner cities and townships.

Health professionals agree that only a drastic public health response can prevent the virus from spreading at a fast pace, warning that societal factors such as lack of access to information, non compliance and lack of sense of empowerment - people often do not know where to seek help or what they can do to protect themselves - complicates the fight to contain COVID-19. It is disheartening to see and hear grown up individuals making statements like.... "Corona na scam, Nigerian Government want use am chop money"....... "Corona no fit catch African man" .

Information is an important tool that should be employed to fight the virus. Many Nigerians do not know or hear the truth concerning the virus. False information shared in Whatsapp groups and other social media platforms perpetuate the confusion. "A Palestinian scientist has found the vaccine against corona" is one message circulating in the community groups. Another one reads: "Corona can be cured by boiling 8 tablespoons of garlic and 6 cups of water."......" Hot temperature in Africa Wil kill the virus" . This sort of information seems appealing to people , this ought to stop through proper dissemination of information in any way humanly possible.

Many state governments are already giving directives and order , placing ban on all religious activities, ban on social gatherings including burials and weddings, amongst others. This is commendable and necessary due to the issue at hand. There is a problem, the problem is not in the directives, but the citizens. From the streets of Calabar to the streets in Kano , Nigerians are flaunting the directives in every way possible. Burials going on, churches are gathering, Muslims are trooping to the mosque, weddings are going on, transporters are flaunting the directives, betting shops are still having customers crowded in a small space. If Italy, Spain , USA , China are on their knees despite their good health care systems, what about Nigeria with her dilapidated health system. Think of the possibility of Nigeria not having a fast testing procedure. On the average, it takes the Nigerian center for Disease control (NCDC) 2days for it to carry out a single test. Think of the possibility of Nigeria not being able to track more than 4000 Nigerians who came in contact with the confirmed cases. Think of the possibility of Nigerians running away from possible testing. Think of the repercussion of a Nigerian who is unaware that he/she is positive, walks around shaking hands, opening doors, sneezing, using the ATM etc. Think.

Before catastrophe comes, let us as citizens know that we are to be blamed if we neglect and disobey simple instructions from our government. If we carry on as if nothing is happening, some of us may not even have a life .Once this infection starts spreading in taxis and buses, betting shops, markets, restaurants, supermarkets etc it will create a new dynamic which only God will help us. Let us wake up and stop the spread. Stay safe.

Written by Ekere Tommy, a 500L student in the Department of Food Science And Technology, Unical.