Coronavirus and Nigerians
Human beings are always faced with one problem or the other. This is part of our existence and the reality of our being. The human creation is so important that God made us the head and superior creature among all the creatures.
Our ability to face these problems collectively and try find solution to them is part of what makes us human beings.
Few years ago, we were faced with a deadly virus called Ebola. It was a virus that faced majorly the Africans and Nigeria being the most populated country in the continent also faced this problem. While many thought Nigeria would find it difficult to deal with the virus, we overcame the problem in the shortest time possible.
This success was recorded by swift responses from our health professionals and the world at large applauded Nigeria for this.
Today, a news about the case of the new virus called covid19 and popularly known as coronavirus broke on the internet. A man from Italy apparently brought it to the country through Lagos port.
I doubt if many people were surprised that it finally entered Nigeria. Personally, i was not surprised. The reason is simple and that is because it is a virus that spread so fast and already in even developed countries.
With the fact that we have active ports in Lagos, it is normal that this virus finds its way into Nigeria through Lagos state.
The major problem now is not the virus because it is here already but the prevention of it.
Prevention, they say, is better than cure but this is the work of everybody. Government alone cannot solve this problem and they cannot keep everybody safe if we fail to follow all the instructions giving to us.
Government have advised that those sneezing, coughing should stay at home and maintain reasonable distance from families, friends and even the masses at large. My fear is that many people will not obey this and may simply call the cough/sneezing normal thing and go about their normal daily businesses.
This is where we need to come in as people. We need to avoid contacts as much as we can and also maintain physical hygiene every time. Wear face mask if you are in crowded places and feel uncomfortable.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to keep yourself free of the virus. When you are outside, try as much as possible to avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. These are the easiest entry points to contacting this virus.
When you get home after the daily activities, ensure you wash your hands before touching anything and bath before going to bed. If you feel you have exposed yourself to sneezing, cough then it is wise to isolate yourself from your family especially your wife/husband. This way, you can keep them safe.
We all need to take this covid19 serious and get every information we can to keep ourselves and family free from this virus. We should be vigilant and also prayerful because with God all things are possible.