The Nigerian Medical Association has advised Zamfara state government to declare a total lockdown in the state to tame the spread of coronavirus in the state.
Addressing a conference in Gusau, the NMA led by its state Chairman, Dr Kabiru Musa Shinkafi said the association advised the state government to look into the possibility of shutting down the whole state for a minimum of 14 days.
He also revealed that NMA had appealed to the state government to expedite action to get a functional isolation ward in the state.
He said the advice was necessary for effective prevention strategies as well as limiting the possibility of community transmission of Covid-19 in case it hits the state.
“As a professional body saddled with the responsibility of caring for humanity, we must commend the state government for proactive measures taken to contain its spread in the state. However, such measures should be absolute because we can not close schools and ignore markets and motor parks”
“Taking the steps become necessary considering the attitude of our people and also our firm belief that closing schools and MDAs while leaving markets and motor parks open will be counter productive,” they said
The NMA therefore encouraged all citizens to respect guidelines given by the state government on all social gatherings adding that even though it would affect people’s lives but the tough decision became very necessary.