This piece was curated to state the things we feel you should be doing if you have to be on Lagos roads as it opens up today.

Five weeks ago, the city of Lagos and two other states (Ogun and Abuja) were placed under strict lockdown regulations by President Mohammed Buhari – in a bid to curtail the spread of the lethal coronavirus.

Nigeria recorded its first case of the virus in Lagos, sometime in late February. The case was an Italian who just travelled back into the country. And as the number of cases began to rise stealthily over the past two months, it was clear the city of Lagos was going to sit comfortably as the epicentre of the virus in Nigeria. Between the period the first case was recorded in February and today, the 4th of May, Nigeria has now recorded 2558 coronavirus cases and Lagos state has 1107 of those cases.

From all indications, the total number of known cases we have recorded in Nigeria is not truly reflecting the actual number of cases we possibly have right now in the country. The testing capacity, although being improved on by the agency in charge, is relatively low compared to the entire population of the country. This has not helped us have a clear picture of the hold of the virus in the country. However, almost prematurely, the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, President Mohammed Buhari, on the 27th of April, announced that the three states placed under a lockdown can now gradually start opening up from the 4th of May.

Of course, it is understandable the massive adverse effect an extended lockdown can have on the economy, livelihood of citizens and even on the mental health of individuals but all the possible signs are there that states like Lagos state should still be placed under a strictly enforced lockdown for another two weeks, at least. In the end, it is for us to keep being alive to survive another day.

Since the lockdown has now been lifted and expectedly, Lagosians have trooped out on the roads to go about their businesses and make a living. If you fall in the category of individuals who have to be on the road, either for work or some other essential activities, we will advise you at least adhere to the following:

1. Avoid Bus Parks: This might be a tad hard, especially for individuals who don’t own their vehicles, but if you can, ensure you avoid bus parks. If you can, advise the organisation you work for to make provisions to help you get to work without having to go through crowded bus parks.

2. Always Wear a Mask: It might sound ludicrous but a face mask will greatly help us curtail the spread of the virus. For one, it helps you reduce contact from your hands to your nose and mouth, a major way the virus gains access into the body. Also, asymptomatic carriers who already have the virus but are not showing any symptoms can keep the spread to themselves by covering their mouth and nose with a facemask.

3. Have a Pocket Sanitizer: If you constantly have to be in public spaces, a bus, a bank etc, having a sanitizer with you always will ensure your hands stay free of the virus or any other germ as you move through the public.
From how countries like South Korea and New Zealand have been able to keep the virus on a leash, at least to an applaudable extent, it is obvious it is also possible for us here on this side of the world. We only need to ensure we are taking as much precautions as we can. This is a winable war! Keep staying safe, Lagos!

If you feel symptoms of the virus or any other medical concerns, you can quicly schedule an appointment with a hospital closest you on our Digital Referral Platform. Visit www.nimerexhealth.com, sign up and start enjoying the service. You can call 09087776660 for more inquiries.