By Adedoyin Giwa
As COVID-19 continues to spread like wildfire across the world, preventive measures are being deployed globally to minimize and fully curb the spread of the current pandemic. In Nigeria, measures like, restriction of movements, banning religious and social gatherings of more than 50 people, closure of schools and markets except sellers of items termed essentials and also the closedown of corporate businesses among others have been adapted.
These changes which are still very new to the Nigerian setting is causing a strain on a normal day to day activities. While Nigerians have been advised to observe social distancing to avoid the spread of the virus, thousands are reported to still be out, some, visiting supermarkets all in the name of stocking up on essentials which is understandable, if this must be done, it should be executed safely, so as to not put anyone at risk.
In the light of this, Ashley Young, former Manchester United player who now plays for Inter Milan and happens to reside in Italy, the epicenter of the deadly virus, COVID-19, took to his twitter handle to share protective tips for citizens who go to supermarkets for essential goods during the lockdown. The tips are discussed below:
Be orderly: The supermarket which everyone is rushing to in the name of stocking up is no doubt the highest place where the virus can be spread, the footballer made mention of how shopping in Italy is surprisingly calmer than people expect it to be, he revealed that there are no fights over food, assaulting of staff members and no stripped shelves as this is the fear of Nigerians that if they do not hurry to get these things they may never be able to till the pandemic is declared gone. If shopping can be done orderly as it is in Italy where there is no need for having the whole family shop for the household, one or two persons are enough. In Nigeria where lifts are seen as a luxury where people go to take pictures, it will be safer if not more than two people are allowed on a lift at once with each person standing on opposite sides and facing the wall so as not to breathe towards the other.
Proper use and disposal of gloves and masks: Also, when one must go out if one has to, he advised just like health officials have been warning that gloves be worn from when you step out of the house and should be disposed appropriately on getting back home. For those who cannot access face masks at this crucial time, scarves can be adopted to ensure that nose and mouth are properly covered, not to forget that washing your hands at every chance you get, sanitizing extensively and keeping your hands off your face are the primary safety measures during this crisis.
Keep your distance: If you have to get in the lift only get in with one more person, two people per lift at one time. And stand on opposite sides of the lift and face the wall — don’t breathe outwards towards that stranger. Always keep your distance at the till. Keep the trolley behind you when you unpack at the till as it stops people from being able to get too close. Don’t unpack your shopping right on top of somebody else’s, make a gap between theirs and yours so none of your shopping touches theirs.
Be suspicious of all: It is also expected that every other person outside of your family be treated as if they have the plague as one cannot be too careful. And just remember others should be looking at you in this way as well.
As part of measures to help people stay safe, Jumia introduced the contactless delivery that allows you to order and pay online using e-payment platforms like JumiaPay and then receive your item from a dispatch rider who drops your order at your door and steps about 3 metres away while you pick up your item.
Banks like Ecobank have stepped up sensitization campaigns to teach people to do cash transactions or even visit ATM points during these times. They have encouraged customers to use the EcobankPay which allows you as a customer, not only to pay for items without touching either the merchant or a POS terminal but, also ensures the seller gets value immediately unlike the 24-hour window of POS transactions.
In the aftermath of all these, it is hoped that these measures have a lasting effect and that Nigerians continue to imbibe these orderly acts even when the virus is long gone. It is no doubt that COVID-19 will leave a large dent globally on all sectors of life and its effect will forever be remembered.
