While a lot of praises are due to the State Government for the ingenious response to the Novel Covid-19 virus, it has come with a resultant blow to the livelihood of many indigenes of the Plateau State. An unavoidable consequence, as no treatment regimen has proven to yield any real results.
The closure of the state borders is an excellent approach as data shows that interstate travels and community transmission is the major cause of index cases and increasing statistics of infected individuals. The fumigation exercise has served its purpose with almost 100% compliance in the state. The data records of intra-state travelers have shown its usefulness in keeping tabs of passengers.
Now to the crux of the matter, the unnecessary lockdown within the state with special emphasis on the 3 days terminal break popularly called ‘mid-term’ we have been enjoying as the government gives us a chance to restock for the next 4 days in lockdown.
First, allow me to put across a few facts regarding the prevention measures against COVID-19 all over the world:
1. Social distancing (SD)
2. Decongestion (DC) of otherwise crowded places (Markets, Churches, Mosque, etc)
3. Use of Face Mask always and most especially outdoors and in high-risk areas (Hospitals, Markets, etc)
With this understanding, the idea of a “lockdown relaxation” for 3days every week even when state borders are closed defeats the idea of SD and DC as you must have already observed with the population density in and around the markets during the lockdown relaxation.
A more preferred solution would be an absolute and total lockdown which isn’t an available option for Nigeria as many of us depend on our daily dealings to feed and meet our other social needs. My suggestion is that while we maintain closure of the state borders and limit intra-state movement, the government should allow for continuous activities within the state.
Now ponder about this;
If we have 3 free days with a lot of congestion and are unable to achieve the Social distancing guidelines, we might as well get infected and the return to our homes to relax for the next 4 days then come out to repeat the same thing.
Another option, relax the restrictions, allow for continuous movement which will lead to less panicking and further decongestion of markets as there will be adequate access during other days.
It may seem simple, maybe silly and unintelligent but isn’t that what most unpopular and ingenious opinions are?
Majority Hassan H.
+2348100403933
majorityhassan@gmail.com