There have been concerns in recent weeks over a looming surge in COVID-19 cases in the country. The federal government had, on Monday last week, raised an alarm over the spread of the contagious virus’ Delta variant to more states. Statistics obtained from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) showed a sharp spike in incidences with 851 cases recorded in the first two days of August. Similarly, the agency’s statistics indicate that 11 persons died from COVID-19 complications on the second day of the month.
Media reports in the last one week also showed a frightening rise in the number of cases recorded across various National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camps. The cases were detected following mandatory COVID-19 tests conducted on reporting corps members. Corps members for Batch B, Stream 1 of this year are currently in orientation camps. For instance, while 17 corps members tested positive in Edo State, Plateau recorded 26 cases; Niger had 18 cases; 25 in Gombe and 14 in Sokoto. NYSC’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, however countered this report, saying no positive cases were recorded at the Corps members for Batch B, Stream 1 of this year who are currently in orientation camps because only corps members that tested negative were allowed into the camps.
Although the National Economic Council (NEC) at a meeting in July allayed fears of a possible lockdown due to a pandemic third wave, government through public health agencies need to be proactive in its response to the renewed spike. Governors are encouraged to resuscitate COVID-19 task forces in their respective states and ensure that all COVID-19 safety protocols are re-enforced. Persons without face-masks could be denied access to offices, schools and market places. Recreation centers should be closed down if the spike continues.
A year and a half since COVID surfaced in Nigeria, it is lamentable that the country is still relying on donor-countries for ventilators. Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire received 26 ventilators and other equipment from the World Health Organisation at a ceremony in Abuja on August 5. While we urge government to support local production of ventilators, the suspension of COVID-19 vaccination by the federal government requires a speedy resolution.
We call for the quick return of hand sanitizers and hand washing facilities, which are no longer visible at the entrance of all public buildings. NCDC should fully resume its multi-media enlightenment campaigns on the need for everyone to take responsibility by observing non-pharmaceutical measures against COVID-19.
