Yemi Olakitan
I had wanted to write an opinion piece on Corona virus. The motivation came from listening to the views of ordinary Nigerians especially the semi illiterates and the illiterate, on the dreaded Corona Virus. These views are erroneous as well as they are alarming. One of such view is that Corona Virus is a disease of the rich!
A while ago when I was going to work, (Journalists are under essential services and cannot shut down operations) I heard the driver say; Corona virus is for the rich! Really? However hard I tried to reason with him, he insisted that only the rich can contact Corona virus. His reason is that poor people don’t travel abroad to Corona virus infected nations and so cannot be infected. I told him that the rich have poor people around them such as house helps, personal assistants, guards, cooks etc. This people can easily contact this virus if the master has it and pass it to an ordinary Nigerian on the streets, only then did he finally agree with me.
There is another conspiracy theory, there are those who say that America is responsible for the spread of the virus and that the American Government released the virus into the world like a software computer virus so that they can then come up with a vaccine in order to rip off many nations of the world in huge financial gain. Some vowed the virus was as a result of an economic war between the United States and China. However, there is no evidence this is true.
Some even say people should drink plenty ‘Ogogoro’ a locally made gin regularly, vowing that Ogogoro is a sure remedy for Corona Virus. Although World Health Organization had recommended that regular washing of hands with soaps and water or alcoholic based gel is effective in the prevention of Coronal Virus. Some Nigerians have taken that to mean that regular drinking of 'Ogogoro' will help cure the virus.
In a chat with Afeez Olaniran, a local bricklayer in Lagos, he said, he drinks Ogogoro every morning since the outbreak of the Corona virus. According to him he wants to keep alcohol in his stomach especially Goldberg as long as the Corona virus epidemic persists. When asked whether he uses alcohol to wash his hands regularly, he said yes. However, the truth is, there is no evidence that alcohol consumption prevents the spread of Corona virus.
A while ago, a group of Igbo traders gathered to pray as they usually do. They started by singing Christians songs, clapping and dancing widely at close range. I asked one of them how they intend to maintain social distancing as prescribed by the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu when they pray together at such gathering. He said, ‘’Ebola came, it did not reach our side, Lassa Fever came, it did not reach our side, this Corona virus will not reach our side too, social distance or no social distance.’’ Trying to be spiritual like him, I said Amen. My attempts at proceeding with an enlightenment discussion was rebuffed since he continued singing, clapping and dancing in wild excitement. In my opinion, he didn’t read the part of the Bible that says prayer without work is death.
My neighbor said he came across an article that says Corona virus is airborne and can stay in the air for eight hours straight. This explains his decision to wear facemasks 24/7. I told him Corona virus is not airborne and can only stay in the air for a few seconds according to the Lagos state Government.
Others say Corona virus cannot kill anyone in Nigeria because black people are resistant to ‘Coro virus’. I told one that Corona virus is blind to race or colour and does not look at the social status of a person. The prince of Wales, His Royal Highness, Prince Charles has tested positive, even our own Chief of Staff in Nigeria, Abba Kyari has tested positive to Corona virus. Corona virus has no respect for status or colour, black or white, rich or poor.
There is another supposed remedy on social media that says our traditional Agbo, or local herbs, is very effective in treating Corona virus, if anyone should test positive. All you have to do is to get a well cooked, very hot Agbo and cover yourself in a bowl full of it. Once you sweat very well the Corona virus will vanish since it does not like heat and cannot stand the efficacy of that particular Agbo. The World Health Organisation, (WHO) has not confirmed any such cure for Corona virus.
How can one effectively protect oneself against Corona virus? According to the World Health Organisation,(WHO) ‘‘The first step is to regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands. The second step is to maintain social distancing between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.’’
Another step is to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth Why? ‘‘Hands, touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick. Practice respiratory hygiene Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.’’
This is because Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
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