As the World Health Organisation, WHO, says the virus is accelerating, this fortnight, for us, is critical. 15 days after the first deaths in Italy and U.S.A, death toll rose above 230, and then jumped. Remember: Nigeria recorded its first death from the virus March 22. Consequently, between now and April 6, we will likely tread this path. While hopefully, we work towards the best, and brace for the worst, not much gives solace that it will be better.
One reason is the number of VIPs (I don’t mean Fela’s version of “Vagabonds in Power” but the more regular “Very Important Personalities”) right in Aso Rock that are self-isolating or testing positive. The President’s daughter, the President’s Chief of Staff, a former Vice-President’s son…. We pray that they will recover. And recover they will for they will surely have the best treatment possible.
The problem: they may have infected others. Those that travelled with them. The protocol team that met them at the airport. The drivers, orderlies, and the usually large retinue of Nigerian VIPs. In one scenario, the case is said to have taken the children to school, gone for prayers on Friday, partied at the weekend, and had to be forced to hospital. Remember that even before the symptoms manifest, infection can take place. Someone needs to be focussing on all these “less important” personalities.
It is projected that one infected person infects three people every week. Question is: do we have enough testing materials? Are they in the right places? Who is talking to us about the national plan? And please leave the President out of this, we need the experts, so the issues are not beclouded even further.
Water: E No Get Enemy As always, it is about the simple things properly done. Basic hygiene, really. In this case, water.
· Take lots of water. Every 15 minutes or so, drink water, thirsty or not
· Under running water, wash hands regularly. Do the 20-second routine that covers the back, back in between fingers; front, front between fingers; nails, wrists on both hands
· Ensure everyone washes before entering the house
· Where there is no running water, improvise.
Lastline: The Virus got the Olympic Games postponed to 2021; and claimed one of Africa’s greatest Saxophonists Manu Dibango. South Africa’s President Ramaphosa announced a three-week national lockdown; and Nigeria’s President Buhari ordered civil servants below grade level 12 to work from home.