CORONA VIRUS: LIFE AFTER THE LOCKDOWN
So recently I have been doing a lot of moving around Lagos lately, which is contrary to what I have preached so far. After the news about the pandemic about two months ago, I relegated myself to my bedroom for over a month. It seemed like the right thing to do given the impact of the virus in other countries like Italy. The federal government called off the lockdown a couple of weeks ago which I was sceptical about. However, considering the fact that they are in no position to provide the necessary relief to keep over 200million people in their houses, they are left with no option but to ease the restriction on movement and slowly return economic activities.
So people are allowed to go about their daily business with some few restrictions. The government has made it mandatory to wear face masks. There are several theories about the facemask but personally, I think it is advisable to wear them. Asides the issue of shortage, I think it's imperative that we protect ourselves. We've seen a lot of in provision as many people are coming up with other ways of protecting themselves. Might not be ideal in curtailing the spread of the virus but I am happy with the level of awareness and effort people are putting to stay safe. Lockdowns have slowed down the spread in this part of the world and economic activities along with it which most African countries cannot afford at this point. I am not so in support of the lockdown as I was once before. I believe adhering to the safety guidelines and improving healthcare services especially in Nigeria is the only way to manage the pandemic.
There is also a mandatory curfew by 8:00 pm. From my own experience, a lot of people aren't adhering to this guideline. About a week ago the police raided my street and arrested a few persons who were drinking along the roadside or bars which has become the major way most people relax this period. I was lucky to be indoors during that period as I haven't been adhering to this guideline myself.
So I visited the island a couple of days ago with a friend to get some groceries and a MiFi at The Palms Shopping mall. From my observation economic activities are back at about 80%. Asides eateries, a few public places and recreation centres that are closed, everything seems to be quite normal. After moving around the island I discovered that a few bars and hotels were operating covertly against government's directives which worries me a little. There is a limit to what the government can do. We as citizens owe it to ourselves and the community to adhere to the government directives. A lot of people still doubt the existence of the virus. It's about 2months and the virus hasn't spread as I thought it would but I would rather be safe than sorry.
Lagos happens to be one of the most populous states in Nigeria and also its economic hub. The country is already faced with several economic challenges which have crippled the economy. Recession at this point is inevitable. Economic activities must resume but at the detriment of the citizen's health. The number of cases is growing and we might see a second wave of the outbreak more severe than the first.
To be sincere the lockdown should be fully eased. Staying indoor and waiting for a cure to be found or depending on the government to cater for our needs isn't gonna help matters as much as it will worsen it. Like some someone said on the radio this morning while broadcasting that, "the virus as come to stay just as malaria, typhoid, and it related symptoms, and we will fight through it just as we've fought through the rest.
So, just as you've said, "We as citizens owe it to ourselves and the community to adhere to the government directives."
It might not go smoothly at first as we ourselves would find it hard to adhere to most of the guidelines. But we will definitely do at some point. Keep staying safe brother. As for we here in Ogun state the lockdown has been extended by a week as usual. And we're only permitted to move on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Still not making much sense tho.
Well said. I think everyone here knows by now that a lockdown is ineffective. Hopefully we improve on our healthcare and slowly return social and economic activities back to normal
Since March person never shoot client. Wike dey use us flex muscle for Port-Harcourt. They should release everybody abeg.
Las las if the virus is legit legit, it'll be a battle of the strongest immune systems.
Wike na liquid metal 😂😂.. E just dey exercise power anyhow. God go see us through jare.
Strongest immune system wins
Na wetin go cus fight for street. We don't want the death till of the U.S or Italy. But at the same time we can't hide from the virus forever.
It is good to see your insight for the pandemic. I'm in the United States and the situation has turned very political and the states are opening back up regardless of the number of cases or any of that. Some of the economic stimulus packages were somewhat helpful but in the end there are a lot of people who are getting financially crushed depending what business they were in or what their job was.
Things will unravel overtime but we at nearly 100,000 deaths here basically in just a couple of months so it isn't going to be good in the end but a lot of people are pretending this thing doesn't actually exist. It is kind of crazy.
Stay safe!
I think the most challenging part is convincing alotof people that this virus exist. I was having a conversation with a group of friends nitbtoo long ago and it seems alot them are skeptical about the virus. No one knows anyone who has contracted the virus. We only keep seeing figures on TV. Alot of people still think this is some sort of scan. However, like I said in the post, I rather be safe than sorry.
It is the same here. A lot of people don't think the virus exist or something. I know 3 people who have gotten it.
I wear a full on gas mask and people stare at me. It is kind of funny.