Greetings to our wise Rivers people and welcome to another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that health is wealth in every sense of the word. Keep yourself healthy. This episode is titled “Measures for Prevention of Communicable Diseases With Major Focus on Coronavirus”.
The advent of the new Coronavirus has given rise to so many concerns, rumours and myths that could confuse citizens who seek to take proper precaution and avoid being infected. It is important therefore to have up to date and accurate information about the Coronavirus and apply same in the true sense of the saying, that applied knowledge is power.
Considering that many countries have already recorded cases of the Coronavirus, Nigerian should naturally expect more cases of infections, no thanks to our porous borders and poor enforcements of policies and guidelines. Of course we pray that the opposite will be the case so that we are spared of this pandemic.
The need for being deliberate and intentional to follow the safety measures stipulated by experts and the World Health Organisation (WHO) cannot be over emphasized. In addition to the information that the guest speaker will share, let me drop a few of the hints I found in the course of personal research on the new Coronavirus:
1. Instead of being petrified with fear about the new Coronavirus, we can channel our concerns into actions to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. First and foremost among these actions is regular and thorough hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene. Secondly, keep informed and follow the advice of the local health authorities including any restrictions put in place on travel, movement and gatherings.
2. On how long the Coronavirus stays on surfaces, it is not certain how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it seems to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies suggest that coronaviruses (including preliminary information on the COVID-19 virus) may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment). If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
Let us listen to our guest speaker today as he expounds on the subject. He is, Dr. Golden Owhonda, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Rivers State. Please enjoy the episode.
Our good people, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.