Covid-19: NOA Worries Over Non- Observance Of Prevention Protocol In Nigeria

As the cases of coronavirus pandemic keep increasing in Nigeria, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has expressed concerns over the disobedience of many Nigerians to the prevention protocols against the spread of Covid 19.

Director General of the agency, Dr Garba Abari stated this on Thursday at the presentation of second report of the agency’s observation on its sensitization activities in the fight against covid-19 across the country.

Abari said that persistent and remarkable disobedience of citizens and letting down their guard as well as partial to total noncompliance to wearing of face mask, physical distancing and personal hygiene protocols has lead to the increasing number of cases of Covid-19.

 

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The agency however called on stakeholders, religious and traditional leaders to expedite more actions towards enforcing recommended guidelines for the safety of all.

He also advised Nigerians against the myths and conspiracy that covid-19 is not real.

”Nigerians have shown persistent and remarkable disobedience to COVlD-19 prevention protocols. In the cities where adherence to these protocols was high in the initial two weeks of eased Iock-down, citizens are letting down their guards and this is of gave concern. Partial to total non-compliance with face mask and physical distancing protocols by some members of the public are readily observed on our streets.

“Now, many Nigerians only use face masks to avoid security agencies or if the place they are going will enforce the masking policy.

“The disbelief of the danger and impact of COVlD-19 still persists among some sections of Nigerians despite being aware of the disease? Expressions like ”There is no COVID-19 in Nigeria” and ”Our religious leader says COVlD-19 is not real” are commonly used in expressing this disbelief.

“The many myths about the COVlD-19 pandemic, ranging from conspiracies about some persons using the pandemic to make quick gains to claims of certain herbal concoctions being sure cures for COVID-19 are still issues being grappled with in the COVlD-19 sensitization efforts. NOA however, remains relentless in debunking these myths.

“With the opening of religious centres, many religious centres, especially in the cities are complying with the protocols on worship gatherings. However, there are still some of them whose compliance levels are less than commendable. Efforts must be geared toward enforcing the protocols in places of worship.

“As a strategy, sensitization and awareness creation should be the goal of government effort at the community level. NOA is committed to deepening our sensitization efforts. The task force on COVID-19 in states are useful in pushing for compliance with COVlD-19 prevention protocols as outlined by the PTF.

“The collaboration between the PTF and the state task forces should therefore be strengthened.”