BBI urges state govts, stakeholders to tackle coronavirus collectively
Following the confirmation of 5 new coronavirus cases in Nigeria, the Brain Builders Initiative has called on state governments and stakeholders to make sure all hands are on deck in tackling the virus which the World Health Organization-WHO now declared a “pandemic”.
In a statement signed by its media aide, Sanni Alausa-Issa and sent to THE INFORMANT247, the group said the recent ban on 13 high risk countries by the federal government should have come earlier to prevent new cases.
The statement reads in part, “As the situation becomes more complex, we are urging everyone to take strict preventive measures as published by various media outlets and healthcare professionals. We commend the Kwara State government for its proactive measures to contain the virus by establishing the Infection Prevention Control centre with the primary objective of containing the situation, prevent an outbreak and provide affordable treatment for possible victims.
“We recommend that the government initiate a technical committee comprising of traditional rulers, market men and women, religious leaders, government agencies, youth leaders and CSOs to monitor the activities of the centre and ensure that it does not renege from its primary objective. This committee will also assist the government in sensitizing citizens by carrying out awareness in markets and LGAs. The ministry of education should increase awareness in schools and state owned tertiary institutions.
The state border communities like Baruten should be under surveillance. Everyone coming into the state from other places should undergo a mandatory check.
“We are in a very difficult situation and all hands must be on deck. We appreciate the efforts of the healthcare workers working 24/7 to contain the situation. Everyone should be informed about the dangers of the Coronavirus and ensure that all measures are taken to protect themselves.”
The group further urged individuals who experience any symptoms of the virus to isolate and reach out to medical professionals.
