With the COVID-19 pandemic unleashing its second wave across the country and the rest of the world, health experts and organisations have advised the public to mark the season’s festivities differently.
They advise people to observe the safety measures against the COVID-19 virus and also avoid previous years’ festivity practices that could make them susceptible to the virus and other diseases.
- 72 hrs to end of year: Buhari yet to assent to 2021 budget
- I saw abducted ABU lecturer, boys trained as bandits – Freed captive
They said the need to comply with the preventive measures against COVID-19 is further underscored by the second wave of the pandemic and recent spike in cases.
The country has recorded 84,414 confirmed cases of COVID-19 till date.
Out of this number, 71,034 cases have been discharged and 1,254 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has advised everyone to take responsibility, protect him/herself and protect others.
The Director General of the centre, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, enjoined Nigerians to do things a little bit differently this year and celebrate responsibly. He said people should exercise caution in travelling, hugging others as well as observe all instituted protocols against COVID-19.
He said: “As we think about coming together, we might reconsider travelling at all; we want to travel for many more Christmas over the next few years.
“We are asking you to remember all the important things that we have said throughout the year.
“Wash your hands frequently at every single opportunity that you have, and if you must gather, remember that outside is safer than inside, and if you have be inside please keep the doors and windows open.
“Can we avoid hugging each other this one time?
“Please remember we want everyone to celebrate responsibly as we come to the end of this year, and remember to always keep your mask on even if you are the only person in the room.
“Let us celebrate for many Christmas to come, let us celebrate responsibly as we end a very tough year,” he advised.
Dr. Uwa Okhurobo, Edo State Epidemiologist, said for people to stay healthy this yuletide and beyond amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, they should practice good hygiene.
He said people should ensure they washed their hands frequently, wear face masks and avoided crowed places and large gatherings.
“Those who want to organise events should do it low key, indoors, wear face masks, practice social distancing of about two to three meters, provide hand washing materials and hand sanitiser so that people can wash and sanitize their hands to prevent COVID-19,”he said.
He called on the public to take the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and protect themselves and those around them.
Dr. Patrick Okundia, a former Health commissioner in Edo State urged Nigerians not to wish away COVID-19 protocols during the festive period.
He said just like the first phase, the response must continue during the festive period which usually attracts large gatherings.
“People should discourage gathering of more than 50 persons during the celebrations.
“They should continue personal hygiene, respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene by washing hands under running water with soap or sanitize it,” said Okundia a consultant surgeon.
WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Walter K. Mulombo, also enjoined the populace to adhere to the COVID-19 measures during the holiday season to reduce the risk of transmission among loved ones.
“Wear a face mask in public places. Practice physical distancing, clean and wash hands regularly,” he said.
Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
