For the entire globe, the challenge of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) has revolved around striking a delicate balance between the economic austerity which the pandemic has fostered and the undeniable reality of its fatality.
And so, as the various nations began to ease the lockdown, there emerged new spikes in case numbers, necessitating the leaders to have a rethink.
Back home, the daily data from the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) shows a nationwide surge in confirmed cases. Such escalation portends grave dangers and highlights that the rise is reflective of the post-lockdown attitudes of our people.
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Regrettably, the real concerns are about the preparedness of the citizens to observe the safety measures as espoused by both the NCDC and the various governments. In the markets, churches and other public places, there is little evidence that Nigerians keep faith with their promises and plight which prompted the easing of the lockdown. Such basic hygienic practices like regular hand-washing, maintaining social distancing, wearing of face masks and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers are largely observed in the breach.
But behind the scenes, the various governments and leaders are undeterred by this apparent show of laxity or apathy by the people. Some of the state governors have not ceased to outline different efforts to salvage the situation or limit the spread of COVID-19 which is now at the community transmission stage.
Obviously, such empathy occasioned the many sure steps being undertaken by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State to enhance healthcare delivery and cushion the harsh effects of the virus in the Coal City State.
