FG may re-impose lockdown amid rising cases of COVID-19 infections

By Joy Okosieme

The Nigerian government is considering another lockdown on the country as the rate of infections of the COVID-19 rises.

The National Economic Council (NEC) gave this hint after it’s monthly meeting on Thursday.

In a resolution adopted after the meeting, the NEC said it had noted with serious concern the increasing number of cases of infections across the country.

It said the trend are now approaching or surpassing the levels reached during the lockdown imposed at the height of the epidemic earlier in the year.

“The trends also show that more and more younger people are getting infected. While many of the young victims may be asymptomatic or recover without serious illness, they pass the virus to older and more vulnerable people, especially people with pre-existing health conditions, who develop serious illnesses and may easily lose their lives in the process.

“Sadly, the country is now experiencing a huge resurgence of COVID-19 patients needing intensive care and the existing health facilities are fast becoming overwhelmed”, NEC said in the statement.

It noted that the increase was being accelerated by non-compliance with the non-pharmaceutical interventions advised by government, including the wearing of masks, limiting of gatherings, especially indoors and the washing/sanitization of hands.

“NEC, therefore, wishes to reemphasize the importance of these measures. Particularly as we approach the end of the year and the social gatherings associated with the holiday season, we must avoid activities or behavior that may aggravate the situation and necessitate another lockdown.

“Members of the Council, therefore, resolved to enlarge its current COVID-19 Ad-Hoc Committee led by the Governor of Delta State, and further mandates the Committee to URGENTLY consider and propose additional measures to manage the current situation”, NEC said.

The statement said NEC had resolved to advocate rigorous and strict enforcement of the non-pharmaceutical interventions listed below:

• Restrict all physical gatherings and instead opt for virtual meetings, whenever possible. If physical meetings must be held, ensure there is adequate ventilation of the room, limit the number of attendees, wear face masks, maintain a physical distance of at least two metres and adhere to other public health measures.

• No mask, no entry, no service – all staff members, visitors and customers entering workplaces, shops, entertainment or business premises must wear a face mask that should cover the mouth and nose at all times, and should not remove them, especially if speaking to another person in close proximity.

• Temperature checks must be carried out on all employees and customers entering office and business premises (any person with a temperature 38 degrees Celsius or above, should be denied entry and advised to go for a health check).

• All office and business premises must have a handwashing station with running water and soap or hand sanitizer at the entrance. Employers and business owners have a responsibility to ensure hand sanitizers are always refilled and soap and water always available.

• Office, shops and business premises must be well-ventilated and cleaned regularly throughout the day, ensuring that frequently touched surfaces like desks, countertops, work stations, railings, door handles, are cleaned and disinfected. An occupational health and infectious diseases preparedness plan must be in place, in case an employee, customer or visitor becomes unwell.

It said the continued spread of COVID-19 puts increased pressure on the nation’s already fragile health systems and threaten Nigeria’s economy. It urged traditional, social and religious leaders are therefore urged to play their part by promptly taking responsible and decisive actions to help stop the spread and upsurge of the virus in Nigeria.

It also urged state to take any further steps as may be considered necessary in their areas.