Geraldine Onyenweaku
Last Year March, during the first lockdown that the government imposed on the citizens at the advent of the coronavirus pandemic, it seemed to most people like the world was coming to an end. Everything was on pause- including life.
Trudging through the streets of Lagos on one of those lockdowns, I was struck dumb in my tracks as the emptiness of the streets hit me and I suddenly realized that there were just few persons on the streets. The roads were devoid of the usual traffic- one could barely sight one car on the road. All the shops were closed, hospitals half shot and empty, schools under lock and key, churches and mosques closed. Lagos was completely bereft of the hustle and bustles it is known for – a ghost land with a sprinkling of hostile looking policemen donning their bullet proof vests with guns at designated check points ready to deal mercilessly with anyone who dares violate the government orders. This spectacle cuts a scenario that is completely unprecedented in the history of the nation, except of course in times of war. But we are not at war. What we are going through is a pandemic that has defied the health experts, rattled the World Health Organisation, WHO, ravaged the world , caught many unawares and dealt heavy blows of death on people the world over. It is coronavirus, otherwise known as COVID – 19.
Since last year, the death rate from the virus has climbed to over 2 million, and still counting. Since the virus became widespread, countries have imposed series of lockdowns, ranging from total to partial, lockdown on its citizens. These lockdowns have led to closure of factories, children not going to schools and above all leaving a palpable fear of death in the air gripping everybody from the young and old alike, the rich and poor, showing no distinction among the various races; black, white, brown alike. The virus knows no bounds, affecting the economic and social lives of the people.
The pandemic has brought in its wake a new- world- order; disrupting the social fabrics of the people- the thread that bind the people and the bedrock of a sane and loving society- grinding life to a halt.
Still, life must go on. And the people remain resolute, trudging on, undeterred through the haze and uncertainty that lay ahead.
My son’s teacher told me after the lockdown was relaxed, that people would rather die of coronavirus than die of hunger. He said government cannot make the mistake of imposing another lockdown on the citizens, because this time around no one will heed them. He has a point.
In other civilized climes, when lockdowns are imposed, the governments make provisions for the people throughout the duration of the lockdown. Not here in Nigeria. This is why government cannot and dared not impose another lockdown. This explains the government’s reluctance in treading that path, despite the increasing number of the coronavirus infections in the country in particular and the world at large. Reports have it that as at today, the rate of infection is put at 93,657,598 with 2.005,365 deaths world over.
As the second wave of the virus rages, the only thing we can do is stick strictly to the non- pharmaceutical measures recommended – wearing of face masks, regular washing of hands with soap, maintaining social distance and regular use of hand sanitizers. Of course , we will all be needing loads of prayers. Only God can save us all from this current plaque. We all need to stay calm, gather our wits; we will all get through this together- With God on our side.
Meanwhile, here are, however, a few tips on how to survive this pandemic- the scariest peril of our time:
Just as the experts advise, during a national epidemic of this nature, stay home unless it is absolutely necessary.
Stay away from crowded places. Watch your family and friends. If someone you are with is showing signs of infection, quarantine the person. Or better still, inform the relevant authorities on the hotline given.
Always stay informed on the latest news on the virus. Keep your radio, television or newspapers close by.
Observe all precautionary measures given to help everyone stay alive, until government discovers a cure or a vaccine for treating patients.
I wish everyone a happy new year! Stay Safe!